Haslingden derives from Hazeldean or Valley of the Hazels. It lies 19 miles north of Manchester in the County of Lancashire. A area at one time noted in particular for its Stone, it also played a big part in the Woollen and then later Cotton Industries from the 18th and through the 19th and early to mid 20th Century... It is steeped in Local History and can also boast to have one of the most beautiful Natural Valleys around, where thousands come and visit annually

Monday, 28 April 2014

Old Haslingden (Top Of The Town)

Town Gate, Haslingden - site of the original Market - Left is Stocks House

With such enchanting names like Lovers Lane and Pocket Street (now gone), Town Green (now gone), Sheep Green and Communion Street (now gone). Names that could only ever instill such wandering imaginations of where was that! when was that and who lived there and what went on there! For the many lovers of old Haslingden these areas will always I am sure be of a special particular interest, because when the population of the area was still in its infancy (a few thousand souls) then this area would have been the nucleus (or hub) to the forthcoming expanding "township" that was to follow.

Top Of The Town Map(Click over to enlarge)

Besides those names already mentioned there were or are others as well which do or did include, Rake Foot and Rock Hall, Higher and Lower Lane, High Street, Teasdale Street (which was a small cul-de-sac which ran almost opposite where the Unity Club was), Church Lane (which was off Church Street and almost opposite Wilkinson Street), Church Street, Town Gate (which was off Wilkinson Street and almost in line with George Street), Howarth Street (was running parallel to George St and King Street opening into Wilkinson Street or Hargreaves Street), Wilkinson Street, King Street, Kenyon Meadows (1790's the land under Wilkinson Street and part of Marsden Square), Eliza Street,(where now stands the Hargreaves Street Mill) Cockerill Street and Marsden Square, Dobson Meadows (1790's the land under part of Marsden Square and part of King Street and Eliza Street), and Tower Hill which ran to the top of Cockerill Street.

The centre to all this was "Town Green" which was a open short narrow street which interlocked with another which ran at right angles to it and called "Town Gate". The original site of the weekly market which was in those early days held on the Wednesday of each week. The areas of Town Green and Town Gate became in time very congested for the market, so has the town became more extended down Church Street and then into Deardengate, the line of the market followed that same line.

Well I am sure that I havn't dream't it, but somehow seem to remember there being a pair of well worn wooden stocks which used to be situated quite close to the porch entrance of St. James Church. It is said that these stocks after spending sometime in storage within the belfry that they had been repositioned close to the Church entrance. But many years before this the stocks had actually been in situ at "Town Green" were at that time they would have been used as a punishment to offenders of various petty misdemeanours. The earlier stocks which had been at Town Green had been built with stone sides, but these had at one time been vandalized, and subsequently replaced with these timber ones.

Whilst writing about the stocks and pubs and other landmarks of Top Of The Town in Haslingden, a good account has already been published which was written by (Briar in 1932 and published in the Haslingden Observer at that time - kindly reproduced for the "Haslingden" book by Chris Aspin and Derek Pilkington of the Helmshore Local History Society published in 1979)

"The old stocks used to stand on Town Green, a short and not too wide street connecting Town Gate and Church Street. The Old Hare and Hounds formed the boundary on the higher side and the Waggon and Horses and some adjoining buildings- one of which was Stock House whilst another is in old documents described as a "watch house" - formed the boundary on the lower side of Town Green. The Waggon and Horses abutted on to Church Street and its adjoining buildings on to Town Gate. The stocks were at a position on Town Green between the Old Hare and Hounds and the Waggon and Horses.
The Waggon and Horses and its adjoining buildings were on an island site, which was bounded on the top side by Town Green, on the left side (facing the Old Hare and Hounds) by Church Street, and on the right by Town Gate, which as it came downwards curved along the front of the Waggon and Horses into Church Street.
Haslingden's original and ancient market was on Town Gate, starting from a point near to the Old Black Dog (opposite Town Green) and extending to the Mason's Arms, which was at the junction of Town Gate and Church Street and which from its corner position was known as "Th' Nook Alehouse".
Town Green has another association of interest. During the first half of last century but one it was customary for the clerk of the Parish Church (adjacent) to make announcements on Sundays of any sales fixed for the ensuing week, of assessments and matters of that description. Those announcements were originally made from the churchyard wall, but afterwards on Town Green. They were made at the close of the afternoon service and they received ready attention from many of those who composed the congregations, especially by farmers from Grane and other outlying districts."Briar" reports on the Last use of the stocks:

The sides and base of the stocks were of stone, which held in position two heavy blocks of wood. The upper block of wood had four holes cut in it to accommodate the legs of offenders, two of whom could sit in the stocks at one time.
Sitting in the stocks was one of the penalties for Sabbath breaking, but the stocks were also used for punishment for drunkenness.
The original stocks were destroyed by a drunken man who came out of an adjoining public house and broke the stone uprights. Temporary stocks of wood were substituted. These were for a long time kept in the steeple of the Parish Church, but a few years ago they were brought down and placed outside the church, within the railings near to the porch, where they are unlikely to survive many more years.
The stocks fell into disuse because, as time went on, being put into them was regarded more as a joke than as a punishment. Mr. Thomas Duckworth of Bowker Bank, Crumpsall, who was born at Haslingden, left the town in 1833, and lived to be over 90, once related to me that he could remember only one man being put into the stocks and that he thought he would be the last person for whom they were used. The man was known as "Young Mischief" who was one of "Shakespear's" lads. "Shakespeare" was a man named Holt who had some capital and who took pleasure in having about him about half a dozen young fellows to do mischief, such as pulling signs down. "Mischief" was one of his young fellows. Mr. Duckworth never knew "Shakespeare" himself to get into trouble."Briar" continues with Publand..1932

Bulls Head on Church St

Up to a period within the recollection of most people of today Church Street and "the top of the town" was redolent of bygone days. But it might have been called "Pub-land". In the palmier days of the district sixteen licensed houses could be seen within a short radius by standing at a point in Church Street near to the Waggon and Horses. These included The old Hare and Hounds in Town Green, the new Hare and Hounds and the Masons Arms ("Th' Nook Alehouse"), next door to each other in Town Gate, The Staff of Life (at one time known as "Th' Looafe and Cheese," because of its sign). and the Golden Cup, in Lower Lane, a continuation of Church-street, the King's Arms, the George Inn, and the Bull's Head Hotel in Church Street, interspersed by only two shops, the Bird In Hand, on the other side of Church-street, The White Horse (swith its striking porch) and, adjoining it the Old Black Dog (where the clerk of Mytton Church "laid" a ghost by slaying a chicken and buring it and a candle under the hearthstone), in Town Gate, the Volunteers Inn, High-street, and the Prince of Wales Inn, King-street.

Town Gate
Stocks House with Hare and Hounds
on left side and White Horse on right

The lopping off of licences begain in 1907 and it was made possible by the compensation provisions under the Balfour Act. In that year five licences were extinguished, these being the Old Hare and Hounds, Town Green, the White Horse Inn, Town Gate, the Prince of Wales, King-street, and the Waggon and Horses on Towngate. Since then other licences in the vicinity have been extinguished. Unfortunately one result was that premises closed as public houses were opened as common lodging houses. This seriously injured Church-street, the old business centre, and from this point of view, as well as from others even more important, the Clearance Schemes of the Corporation are welcome.

The Old Hare and Hounds, as originally erected and used, must have been strikingly large and commodious as an inn situate in a town such as Haslingden would be at the time. Some 150 years ago the building was divided so as to provide a serviceable dwelling house in addition to the inn, which was still left with plenty of accommodation for the social and business events for which the old public houses of the town were used.

Announcements of auction sales at the Old Hare and Hounds during 1787 were in existence at one time. It was at the Old Hare and Hounds that arrangements were made for the Haslingden horse races, which took place for purses of gold on Laund Hey, now the property of the town and used as a recreation ground. The races were in existence in 1761. They were discontinued about the year 1811.

"Briar" writes about the Hoyle Family and other Old Inns
For several generations the Old Hare and Hounds was the property and in the tenancy of the Hoyle family, who combined with the victualling business that of butcher. They amassed considerable wealth and influence and held a position of no mean influence in the public and town's matters.
When in 1907 the licence of the Old Black Dog was extinguished it had been the oldest inn in the town for a long period. The licence was at one time traced back to 1693, and it probably existed before then. The wardens' accounts of the Parish Church during the early part of the 18th century show many entries of money spent there. The wardens transacted their business at the Old Black Dog, and probably at the White Horse (next door above) as well.
The Old Black Dog seems to have been the head posting house of Haslingden in pre-railway days. It had stabling for 30 horses. It was at this house that the ball of the Haslingden Hunt was held, and in its day that was the well social event of the district. In an advertisement that appeared in 1798 it was described as containing "many convenient parlours and lodge rooms, and particularly one large room for public meetings, 38ft, by 24ft and 14ft high". In the yard of the Old Black Dog there was a cockpit where many a battle was fought for the amusement of the gentry of the town and visitors.
It was from the horse block in front of the Old Black Dog that John Wesley preached on the occasion of his visit to Haslingden on April 22nd 1788. The divine had scarcely mounted the steps when a crowd of threatening roughs appeared. Addressing the leader Wesley said, "You have, sir, the garb and the appearance of a gentleman. Do not act like a blackguard." He was left to deliver his message in peace.

"Briar" writes about the other old Inns
The Old Hare and Hounds, the White Horse, the Golden Cup, and the Bull Head were nearly equal in age to the Old Black Dog. The White Horse had a pillared doorway from which it was given the name of "Th' Stoop House." It was here that there was arrested the young man who murdered his sweetheart, Ellen Strange, at Helmshore. In appearance this house dwared the two storied Old Black Dog, next door.
The Bull's Head at one time had two pillars forming a porch similar to the White Horse. Swing signs hung at the Bull's Head, the Golden Cup, and the Masons' Arms, whilst over the George Inn were suspended from an ornamental bracket a bunch of gilded grapes and representations of packets of cigars.

"Briar" writes about The Original Market
To come back to the old market, on Town Gate, Haslingden was one of the four market towns in addition to the ancient borough of Clitheroe which existed in the Hundred of Blackburn for several centuries. It was the market town for villages around it thaat have become bigger boroughs that it.
The market apparently had its ups and downs. The "Blackburn Gazette," of September 26th, 1829, recorded an awakening "in the more active and most intelligent part of the inhabitants" of Haslingden, who had re-opened the market on the 15th of that month, when it had been discontinued for some years. The same paper, on October 3rd of the same year, in referring to the second market, held on the previous Tuesday, said "Amidst a diversified profusion of minor commodities, it was particularly gratifying to observe the large quantities of these prime articles of subsistence, meal, flour, and potatoes, which were brought into the town and the greater part of which, so rapid was the demand from the great number of buyers who thronged the streets, was scarcely any sooner exposed to sale than sold." It was computed in all 400 packs weight were disposed of.
From the restricted space of Town Gate, the market overflowed into Church-street, Then it came down Church-street and into Market Place and Deardengate, Town Gate and Church-street being deserted by stallholders. Some years ago there was reversion to Town Gate for the purposes of the pot fair, but in more recent years the Town Gate district has had an appearance so down at heel as to make it unsuitable for that purpose.The "Clearance Scheme" began in the late 1930s (To be continued soon....... in preparation)

And a special thank you to those who have kindly helped with this blog: John Bedford, Michael Mullaney, John McGuire.

This is a photo of Stocks House in far better circumstances to the one shown above. Here it is shown
when it was the Temperance Hotel - You can just make out the Old Hare and Hounds pub to the right of the photo.

Top Photo:Old photo of Church Street and showing the clearing area of which used to be Town Green

and most of Town Gate, before the building of the new properties began- the building to the

left foreground is the old Unity Club which we are currently discussing in another recent blog.

The clearing area at the front of the photo is were Communion Street would have been and

Pocket Street would have been just off the photo to the right corner.

Bottom Photo: Another photo of the clearing area but this one is obviously dated earlier.

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A superb email sent in by John R Edwards in relation to the above photo:

"It certainly is the Unity Club, and just above the roof line is the general store (on the left), up a couple of steps where a woman used to serve you. You can also see Halstead's butchers shop, the gable end property, on Church Street. The terrace to the upper right of the Club is where I remember the Bottom's and the Bedford's lived, and you can still see the line of the original Town Gate road in front of the terrace.

In Winter when it was dark I used to earn a penny or two guiding people across the building site, for the new houses, from King Street to the Club with a torch and I even moved planks to make their journey easier. The tips got better when the people were going home from the Club!! The cost of the batteries turned out to be a good investment."

John R. Edwards.

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TAKEN FROM A NEWSPAPER CUTTING DATED: JANUARY 14TH 1899. (added 19th March 2015)

GRUESOME "FIND" AT HASLINGDEN - A FAMILY VAULT OPENED...

Some little sensation has been created at Haslingden this weekby the discovery by some labourers of some human remains. For some time past Mr. Thomas Collinge, contractor and builder, has had men excavating a plot of ground, and carrying away the sand there found. The plot in question lies between BACK HIGH STREET AND LOWER LANE sometimes called WORKHOUSE LANE. Both thoroughfares are reached from CHURCH STREET. By LOWER LANE you pass the "Staff of Life" Inn and on the right, half-way down the lane, there are two large doors opening into some excavated land. It was into this delph the carts were backed, and the men busy excavating and loading sand. It was whilst the men where busy excavating that they broke into a cave-like place. Possibly ignorant of the past history of the ground, the men were astonished and their curiosity being aroused they investigated the "cave", finding some human skulls and other remains, and observing that there were certain shelves upon which coffins had been placed at the time of burial. The older inhabitants knew that there was a private burial place in a corner of this plot, as was evidenced by the existence of a slab tombstone, bearing the usual particulars regarding the interred. It would appear to have been used as a private burial ground by a family named BILSBORROW, who founded, or officiated in connection with the original Congregational Chapel, Haslingden. The building which is known as the old chapel, is in BACK HIGH-STREET, not far from the "Volunteers Arms". As a religious body in Haslingden, the Congregationalists is about 100 years old, and Mr. Stephenson thinks that Mr. Bilsborrow was their first minister. He was a layman and probably the business of himself and family. Mr. Stephenson thinks, was that of carriers from Garstang. It is a fact that the Bilsborrows resided near the chapel and that they used a corner of the garden ground for burial, having there constructed a family vault. After them some TEASDALE'S had the place, and subsequently the late Mr. George Fielding, grocer, Market Place, Haslingden, became the owner of the ground and property. Miss Fielding of Ivy House is now the owner, and the plot is at the rear of her property. There is also standing in this old district of Haslingden, what used to be known as the Catholic Schools. In the same district there are other old buildings, and anyone may see certain peculiar distinctions from present day property. A portion of these buildings in this neighbourhood are said to have been used as Government stables. It is well known that Haslingden at one time was a military depot, and had its barracks not so very far away from this place. Many of the older people have seen the gravestone in question, and were well aware of a private burial ground there. Mr. Stephenson has known it for years, and has had an idea, that the ground would give way sometime through age and rough weather or incautious excavation near the corner in question. Our reporter inspected the place himself on Thursday. There was an open entrance into the vault, and it seemed as if brick had been used in building the walls. The vault appeared to be 6 feet or more long and 3 feet 6 inches wide. It could easily be entered from the crumbling mound of earth, and at the far end there were three iron shelves, upon which the coffins had apparently rested. Quitting this ascending the mound, we saw the gravestone laid flat on the ground. THE INSCRIPTIONS: Appended is a copy of the inscriptions on the stone:- "Here resteth the body of James Bilsborrow (the 's' in Bilsborrow being the one in vogue early in the century) who departed this life, January 28th, 1823 aged 89 years. Also Mary, wife of James Bilsborrow, who departed this life, April 18th 1804, in the 66th year of her age, Also Mary, their daughter, who departed this life, March 30th 1807, aged 26 years. Likewise of Nancy, their daughter, and wife of Hugh Kennedy, who departed this life, July 29th, 1827, in the 59th year of her age. Also Mary, their infant daughter.A good many people have visited the spot, and a number of contradictory statements are afloat as to the skulls found etc. One man made a night investigation with a lighted lantern, and being asked if he was not afraid of ghosts, he said "No man, there are no ghosts in these days" He confessed there was a misty vapour about the vault and that he could not see any coffin, but some skulls and remains only. He saw four skulls, one bing very large, and there was something of the form of a skeleton there. He made his investigations on Monday night. He could not say whether the vault was built of brick or dry stone. The outer wall appeared to be of dry stone. The remains have been removed. It would appear from the inscription that the first body, that of Mrs. Bilsborrow, was interred nearly 85 years ago, and that the last was in 1827, seventy two years ago.Thanks to Jackie Ramsbottom of Haslingden Roots for providing this material.......
TAKEN FROM A NEWSPAPER CUTTING DATED 1935 (added this on 20th March 2015)TOWER HILL CLEARANCE - MINISTRY OF HEALTH INQUIRY AT HASLINGDENMr. A. Boothroyd, an Inspector of the Ministry of Health, held an inquiry at the Haslingden Council Chamber yesterday forenoon with reference to the application of the Town Council for confirmation of the Tower Hill Clearance Order (Clearance Areas Nos. 6 and 9), made by them under Section 2 of the Housing Act, 1930. In Addition to the Town Clerk (Mr. G.R. Bull) there were present Councillors T. Brown (chairman of the Health Committee), W. Boyson (chairman Housing Committee), and Platt, Dr. Martin (medical officer), and Messrs. T.E. Amos (chief sanitary inspector), Arnold Warburton (additional sanitary inspector), R Taylor (borough surveyor) and F.A. Green (borough treasurer)

AREA OF 36 HOUSESIn outlining the application for the Corporation, the Town Clerk said that the area was reported to be in an insanitary condition in April, 1931 by Mr. R. Austin, then senior sanitary inspector, and stated the formalities that had since been gone through.

The submission of the Corporation was that the dwelling houses in the area were by reason of disrepair and sanitary defects unfit for human habitation and by reason of the bad arrangement of the streets dangerous or injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the area, and that the most satisfactory method of dealing with the conditions was the demolition of all the buildings. "When I speak of bad arrangement of the houses, I do so with emphasis, as many of the houses are back to earth and consitute almost underground dwellings".

The clearance Order was made by the Council on July 3rd last, and as the Housing Act, 1935, did not receive Royal Assent until Aug 2nd last the Order was not subject to the provisions of this later Act.

The last date for the receiving of objections was July 27th last, and before that date only two persons gave notice of objection -- Mrs. Mary Curran, owner of seven houses in the area, and Mr. H. Smith, acting as agent for the owners of twelve dwelling houses and one store room.

According to the official representation of the medical officer of health 108 persons would be displaced by the clearance, and to accommodate these the Corporation were erecting twenty two-bedroom type and nine three-bedroom type houses and five flats on Longshoot. These houses and flats have been approved by the Ministry of Health as affording accomodation for a maximum of 135 persons.

THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTYThe area comprised 36 dwelling houses, particulars of ownership of which were as follows:-
2, 2a, 4-8 Heys Court; 8-14, 3-7, Cockerill Street; 29 Wilkinson St., belonging to the executors of G. Trickett, on whose behalf Mr. H. Smith had made objection. 21-25 Wilkinson Street., 35-39 Rakefoot, 13-15 Tower Hill, belonging to Mrs. Mary Curran, who had objected. 41,43, 43a-49, Rakefoot, 5-11 Tower Hill, belonging to James Robert Barlow and Albert Edward Barlow, who had not objected. 51-53, Rakefoot, 40 and 42 Hargreaves Street and 1 and 3 Tower hill, belonging to John Thomas Hindle, who also had not objected.

In addition to the foregoing there was an old stable, No. 8 Cockerill Street, owned by Messrs. W. H. Shaw and Co., and an old stable, 3 Cockerill Street., owned by the executors of G. Trickett. No. 53 Rakefoot was used as a lockup shop and No. 1 Tower Hill was closed.

ONLY TWO THROUGH HOUSESOf the 36 houses only two were through houses, ten being single houses, fifteen back to back houses, and nine back to earth houses. The population of the area at the date of the official representation was 108 persons, distributed in 34 families. The number of persons to the acre was 265.36

The houses included some of the oldest in the town, built long before any local building bye-laws were in force. They were small, crowded together, and badly arranged. From the practical health point of view the area was definately detrimental to the health of the inhabitants, the bad construction of the houses, the barrowness of the streets, the insufficiency of effective lighting and ventilation facilities making it impossible for the interior of the houses to receive an adequate amount of sunshine and for efficient ventilation to take place. He was credibly informed that in some of the houses it was impossible for a person to read a newspaper in full daylight.

All the houses were in a bad state of disrepair. They were damp, without proper washing facilities. Their water supply was unsatisfactory, as was their sanitary accomodation. The drainage facilities were crude, and had caused considerable trouble. No houses in the area had any yard space for the drying of clothes.

The state of the fittings in most of the houses was deplorable and a process of gradual and general deterioration had progressed to such an extent that they were now definately unfit for human habitation.

In the notice of objection to the order submitted on behalf of the exors. of G Trickett, it was stated that the occupiers of the property referred to therein have no desire to leave the area. This was untrue. Of twelve occupiers concerned who were visited by the assistant sanitary inspector, no fewer than nine definately stated that they wished to leave the area. Again, It was stated that the sanitary arrangements were good and clean. That that was untrue would abundantly appear from the evidence to be given.

"ONE OF THE WORST IN THE BOROUGH"Coun. T. Brown, chairman of the Health Committee of the Town Council, gave evidence, stating that the area had been under discussion by the Council for four years. He considered the area to be one of the worst in the borough.

Coun. Wm Boyson, chairman of the Housing and Town Planning Committee, gave evidence as to the provision of persons who would be displaced by the proposed clearance, and said that the fourteen three-bedfoom type houses, 32 two bedroom type houses and eight flats are now in course of construction at Longshoot;. Twenty two two bedroom type houses, and five flats were reserved for persons displaced in this area.

Dr. W. M. Martin, medical officer of health, gave evidence as to his representations to the Health and Sanitary Comittee on the conditions in the area. He considered the area to be one of the most insanitary areas in the borough. It was wholly within Town Ward, and no new houses had been erected within it for many years. The width of the streets in places was only 18ft., whilst the surface of Cockerill Street, between the houses included in the area, is approximately 10ft below the level of Wilkinson Street adjoining. In some of the houses the windows were fixed or otherwise unable to be opened. Appromimately 70 per cent of the houses in the area are

AFFECTED WITH DAMPNESSOwing to the absence of effective damp proof courses, or to defective pointing or defective roofs. In a recess off the living room in No. 5 Tower Hill there is a natural outlet of a spring, the water from which is constantly running and percolating through the foundations.

In sixteen houses there is no proper accomodation for storage of food. No washing accomodation is provided in 35 of the houses. In the remaining three the occupiers have been responsible for providing their own gas boilers. Overcrowding was present in only one house. In fifteen houses adults and children occupy the same bedroom.

No houses in the area have any yard space for the drying of clothes, advantage being taken of the fact that Heys Court, Cockerill Street and Tower Hill are cul-de-sacs.

The average rental was 4s. 3-10d a week. The total rent was £7/9/2 per week. The highest rent paid was 8s 2d (in respect of the lock up shop 53 Rakefoot) and the lowest 3s per week.

Mr. T.E. Amos, senior sanitary inspecter, produced eight photographs of the area which were enlargements of snapshots taken by him on July 31st 1935

WHAT THE TENANTS SAYMr. Arnold Warburton, assistant sanitary inspector, said that in consequence of the notice of objection made on behalf of the exors. of G. Trickett he visited the houses 2-8 Heys Court and 3-14 Cockerill Street and 19, Wilkinson Street. He found ten of the twelve occupiers at home. The other two houses were shut up. Of the ten occupiers interviewed nine definately stated that they were anxious to leave the area. The remaining one said it was immaterial to him whether he did so or not.

In describing the area, Mr. Robert Tayor, borough surveyor said heys Court is irregularly shaped. Tower hill is a peculiar stgreet with man novel features. He found that no new houses had been erected in the area for at least the last forty years. The streets in the area are both narrow and badly arranged and injurious and dangerous to health. This completing the application for the Corporation. The Inspector asked if any property owner concerned was present to make objection.

WANTS COMPENSATION
Mrs. Mary Curran was the only one to answer. She said that there were real good houses that were being taken from her. The question of their being put into repair should have been considered. It was not right to condemn property like that without some compensation being given. The Inspector: Do you maintain that the houses in their present condition are fit? Mrs. Curran: Well, some are. Have you gone into the possibility of putting them into repair? - No. The Inspector said he would visit and inspect all the houses. If Mrs. Curran liked to be present he would be pleased to see her there, but there was no necessity if she did not want. Mrs. Curran: I don't wish to go. They ought to do fair with people with property. The Inspector said the property would be fairly inspected and he would see that Mrs. Curran's objection was fairly placed before the Ministry. The inquiry then closed.

Thanks to Jackie Ramsbottom of Haslingden Roots for supplying this old newspaper cutting from c1935.****************************************************************

Showing Ginnel entrance midway along Wilkinson Street

On 13th March 2016 Michael Mullaney added: My first photo is of the Ginnel on the front of Wilkinson Street, it was in the top half of Wilkinson Street just below the Middle shop and allowed pedestrian access to the back of Wilkinson Street which went by the more local name of "The Irish Back".

Early urban development constructed properties in the simplest and cheapest way. This usually took the form of long terraced rows forming a square or triangle. In order that people could gain easy access to the backs of the properties many of which would be "back to back houses" Ginnels were constructed for this purpose. Back Wilkinson Street (Irish Back) had three access Ginnels/Alleyways.

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Back Wilkinson Street (Irish Back)

(Photo: kindly contributed by Michael Mullaney

On 13th March 2016 Michael Mullaney added: The Ginnel exits along the side wall of the small two storey out building which brings a further reason for the Ginnel. In viewing the picture above (eg: Wilkinson Street), its clear that the third level of houses in Wilkinson Street are being used as possibly some of the first factories with hand loom weaving taking place on an industrial scale. The two storey out building housed a stairway to allow rorkers to get to the top floor without disturbing the residents with their coming and going. The Ginnel in King Street accessed the back from its lower end whilst a third Ginnel accessed it from the top end and Rake Foot. Properties on Rake Foot were constructed in the Back to Back style, again easy access was required from the surrounding streets. Two storey Back to Back properties usually had the upper floors constructed from stone flags. This was not a cheap way of making a bedroom floor but an early attempt at making a building fire proof from accidents with open fires and compact building methods. Note the larger properties at the lower end of the back, these are the grander houses on the corner of Wilkinson Street and King Street.

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Showing the ginnel on King Street

Photo: Kindly contributed by Michael Mullaney

On 13th March 2016 Michael Mullaney added: This ginnel was in the top half of King Street which shared a corner with Wilkinson Street. Note the grand architecture around the second door. The property just out of sight but forming the corner of Wilkinson Street I think was known as Marsden House and had a grand entrance hall with sweeping staircase. The picture was taken just prior to being demolished to make way for the new flats on Marsden Square.

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Corner of Towngate/King Street at "Top O'th Town"(Click over image to enlarge)

Photo shows young boy (John Bedford) stood on Towngate (sadly now demolished) John Gray's Mothers Shop was on the corner and also the shop you can see directly at the back of the photo was Rosie Jagger's Shop which was on the corner of High Street.

Note the beautiful flagstones and curbstones and the pitch back shoddies of the house construction.

Photo: kindly contributed by John Bedford and uploaded here on 9th April 2016

Back of Towngate (Top O'th Town) now demolished(Click over to enlarge)
This photo was taken from about the middle of the Towngate row of houses and at the back of the houses which you dropped down into via steps. Also interested to see lady peeping from a cellar dwelling. Back row left to right: Thomas Riley, Mary Riley and William Riley, the front row left to right is Janie Riley and Margaret Riley.

Photo: kindly contributed by John Bedford and uploaded here on 9th April 2016

A rare photo of long gone Sheep Green along with a very young Jimmy Babbister (Click over photo to enlarge)Photo: Kindly contributed by John Bedford and uploaded here on 13th April 2016

Old Haslingden (below Wilkinson Street)

And below we continue with "Older Haslingden" with photos and details of properties which were below the Wilkinson Street line.

Map showing the areas which the photos below relate to(Click over to enlarge)Map kindly supplied by Jackie RamsbottomCHAPEL STREET (How it is today - photo below)

Chapel Street in 2016 (March 27th)(Click over top or bottom to enlarge)Photos: Kindly supplied and copyright held by Robert Wade (Wadey)The photos you see here depicts the view looking from down near Bury Road to the top of Chapel Street how it is today (2016). The only original old buildings on view in these photographs is the Cave Adullam Baptist Chapel on the top right and part of the Hargreaves Street factory on the top left and in the bottom photos it shows the butchers shop on the corner and the old New Inn (Thorn) pub.So we now move on and check how it used to be:CHAPEL STREET - (How it was)

Haslingden Industrial Co-operative Society - In 1852, from a cellar shop on the corner of Bury Road and Chapel Street, the founders of the Haslingden Industrial Co-operative Society made their first sales.

No.6 Chapel Street - next door to Luke Ralph's

Today lets start off our journey from the corner of Bury Road with Chapel Street and the very first building you met as you turned into Chapel Street was No. 6 which adjoined and was to the left hand side of Luke Ralph's Works which can be seen in the photo below

Luke Ralph's Works on Chapel Street (Click over photo to enlarge)

Another photo of Chapel Street from Luke Ralph's up to King StreetThis photo shows the funeral cortage of the Rev Wm. Hoare coming down Chapel Street having left the King Street Methodist Chapel (the large building which you can see further back in the photograph on the left hand side). In the very far distance at the top of Chapel St you can see the outline of some of the old Sheep Green properties.If you notice half way up Chapel Street on this photo there is a gap between the houses and this is where "Chapel House" used to be (Chapel House is shown in the next photo below)On 25th March Marie Ives commented: The grocers shop shown on the right of the photo (eg: D. Watson) was at the beginning of the century a Saddlers where my Mum's uncle served his time. Later it became a Grocers as you see in this photo and eventually a Butchers shop which it remains today.The photo below is Chapel House which was just a little higher up than Luke Ralph's on the left hand side and set back slightly by its garden.

Chapel House once the home to the Haslingden Academy(Click over to enlarge)

(Photo: extracted from the book Haslingden by Chris Aspin and Derek Pilkington)In the middle of the 19th century the building housed the Haslingden Academy. It survived as a building until 1979 when it was sadly demolished. Chapel House was set back from the other houses and it was fronted by a garden which you can see in this photograph. The area which ran down the side of Chapel House led to Chapel Court.On 25th March 2016 Marie Ives commented: The Chapel House was later a lodging house for single men when I was a girl, then owned by Mrs. Vizzard who lived next to my Grandad's workshop. Later it was owned by Dick Gunton whose wife had the shop at the end of the next row further up the street.

On leaving Chapel House, this shows most of the rest of Chapel Street how it was (Click over photo to enlarge)The top part of this photograph at the area where the tarmac road ends was part of the area known as Sheep GreenThe photo was kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney

This photo shows a more close up of the properties on the right hand side just before demolition(Click over photo to enlarge)

The photo was kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael MullaneySome of these properties seen here in this photograph were back to back houses (eg: No's 3a,5,7,11,13 and the area was called BACK CHAPEL STREET.

This photo shows the small row of houses on Chapel Street which almost butt up to the Cave Adullan Baptist Church(Click over photo to enlarge)

The photo was kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney.

On the left of the photograph is the top of Chapel Street(Click over to enlarge)

Photo: Kindly contributed and copyright held by Heather HoldenThis is a superb photo having been taken from up on Rake Foot looking down over Sheep Green, Hargreaves Street Mill with its tall chimney (before being lowered) and on the left shows the Cave Adullam Chapel and the houses on Chapel Street. Photo taken August 1970.

Photo: Kindly contributed and copyright held by Heather Holden

I would think that what we have here (above) are a almost conclusive collection of photographs for Chapel Street which can bring back so many memories to some and to others hopefully it should show them of just what it was like in this area up until the 1970sLets move on with our journey and explore the adjoining King Street

King Street

King Street showing the Old Chapel and Schoolroom from the Chapel Street End

Photo: was kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney

If you walked half way up Chapel Street on the left hand side was the junction with King Street, as shown in this photo. From this photo you can see the old King Street Methodist Chapel and the School room which closed down many years previous and the schoolroom had been used for some time as a theatrical costumers business.

This photo was taken from Chapel Street looking up King Street(Click over to enlarge)

Here again you see the Old Chapel on the right hand side along with the shop on the corner with Hargreaves Street Also on the left at the end of the row of terraced houses would have been the Craven Heifer pub (demolished at the time of this photograph) Further on after crossing the junction with Hargreaves Street, you see the newer Council House premises and the Flats on the right hand side on Marsden Square.

Photo: was kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney.

Showing part of King Street to the left hand side of this photographThis photograph shows part of King Street on the left hand side with the junction with Wilkinson Street and top house on the left hand side was the house owned by William Cockerill. Also part of Wilkinson Street is shown to the back right hand side of the photo. The photo is depicting a celebration being held on Marsden Square.Also there was another 4 houses to the top right hand side of King Street which were above the area of Wilkinson Street and hidden from view in this photograph. The line of properties on the right hand side finished with Fountain House (shown below)

Fountain House and Works which is at the top of King Street

Fountain House which is still present today (2016) lies to the top of King Street and on the corner with Rakefoot leading to Haslingden Old Road, with Church Street leading back down to Haslingden and High Street across which would lead on to Hud Rake.

You can see from this photo that many years ago the top house in King Street (Wm Cockerills House) gabled with Town Gate a busy area of the Top O'th Town

The next area we should explore would be GEORGE STREET, PICKERING AND BACK PICKERING STREETS

GEORGE STREET (with Pickering and Back Pickering Street)

Having come back down Chapel Street and we are back on Bury Road and we came to the shops shown in this photograph below which was Barnes Clothes Shop and Taylor's Chip Shop next door on the corner with George Street.

Showing shops on Bury Road between George St and Chapel Street

(Photo: kindly supplied by Jackie Ramsbottom)

So if we come down past these shops and then start to go up George Street, the very first street we come to on our right hand side would be Back Pickering Street which was up by the side of Jim Barlow's Ironmongers shop. You can just see the start of it in this photo (above) with a small mini car parked at the entrance to it.

Back Pickering Street looking down to Market Place (Click over to enlarge)Photo: Kindly supplied and copyright held by Michael Mullaney

So this photo above is showing Back Pickering Street but looking from the top down towards Market Place. In fact I have just noticed the mini which is parked in the above photo at the entrance to Back Pickering is also again shown here in this photograph.

So continuing with our journey up George Street having now passed Back Pickering Street and Jim Barlow's Ironmongers and Cycle Shop and a private house, the next street that came up on the right hand side was Pickering Street. This street again was cobbled with setts and was to the backs of the Courts and Police Station.

Photo of Pickering Street just before demolitionPhoto: kindly supplied and copyright held by Marie Ives

Marie Ives commented: The above photo is a view of Pickering Street where Luke Ralph's first workshop in Haslingden was, as well as the stables next door (see next photo below). When we were kids this stables and yard was Matt Higgins Yard. Don't know who he was and this was the war years.

Alleyway Pickering St to King StreetPhoto: Kindly supplied and copyright held by Barbara GreenwoodThis is the alleyway which ran from the top of Pickering Street and all the way into King Street which you can just see a front door of one of the properties. At the bottom left was a yard with a single house, also on the left were back doors to Hargreaves Street. Also on the left was the back to No.19 Hargreaves Street which was the Police Station. (information supplied by Marie Ives)

Continuing on past the bottom of Pickering Street whilst on George Street, the next building you came to was the old Haslingden Court which you can see in this next photo:

Haslingden Old Townhall and Court on George Street(Click over photo to enlarge)Photo: kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney.You can also see to the bottom right hand corner the stone setts which was the start of Pickering Street.

If at this point we continue up on George Street we did have the George Street Mission on the left hand side, which sadly was burnt down and later demolished, and this was next door to the IDL Club has it stands today. The IDL Club was originally the old Conservative Club, and finally you would have come to the Hare and Hounds pub on the corner which was demolished many years ago. At this point you would have reached Wilkinson St.

George Street Mission after fire and the current I.D.L. Club with the spare land where the Hare and Hounds Pub was.

Heading up George Street on the right hand side was the shop which everyone knew as the "Cook Shop" which was well known in the town for supplying "hearty grub" at the right price. I

In this 1979 photo you can see the "Cook Shop" on the above photo, its the 2nd building on the left of the photo (marked in red). It was really well known by most people and always busy serving great down to earth food and at great prices..... Just another what's sadly missed.Can you remember the "Cook" Shop?(Click over to enlarge)

Kindly sent in by Stella Waters on 1st April 2016:

Hi Bryan, Seeing the photo of the cook shop on George Street brought back memories. My grandparents Doris and Jack Pilkington had the shop between about 1946 - 1963. Workers from the local mills and Ivanovic's candlewick bedspreads on Hargreaves Street used to come in for their dinners. Sometimes people used to bring their own dishes to take their potato pie and mushy peas in. The Policemen from the police station round the corner used to come in for the prisoners dinners. Potato pies were cooked fresh every day in great big dishes. College puddings were very popular, these were mixed fruit puddings steamed in little dishes with a rag on top tied with string. The kettle was always on the boil over the black leaded range for the teas and coffees. Pop in glass bottles with metal tops was kept under the high counter in wooden crates, the empties were always returned. On Saturday afternoon Grandma with her clogs on would mop the flag floors, then sprinkle them with sand. All washing up was done in a great big brown stone si nk. All left over food was put in a large bin and collected by the farmer for pig swill! Happy days except for my dad having to spend all Sunday afternoon - Peeling Onions!Best Wishes,Stella Waters

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Hargreaves StreetHargreaves Street is entered from in the West side by Church Street or from the East, from off Haslingden Old Road. From Church Street side before long It intercepts by a cross road which is George Street, then a small street named Howarth Street, then again another cross road called King Street, the other streets leading off Hargreaves Street were Eliza Street, Marsden Square and Cockerill Street.

George Street and Hargreaves Street intercept(Click over photo to enlarge)

Photo: Kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney

This photo on the left hand side is the corner of the Court which was seen in the earlier photo and you can get a good view of part of Hargreaves Street which here shows the section which goes off to the left and joins up with Church Street. On this section shown above was the Ivanovic Bedspreads Works and also built within the walls was the Duckworth "Spewing Duck" Memorial which has been retained and built into the wall in the small cul de sac in the modern buildings.

Hargreaves Street left hand side looking up from Church Street corner

In this photo above it shows the left hand side of Hargreaves Street, you will have already seen the photo of the right hand side of Hargreaves Street in the previous photos. In this photo on the first property you see the sign of the St. Johns Ambulance who held their meetings in this old shop. Then you carry on and see the double shop front of Mr. Clegg's clothes shop on the left were we used to get our school uniforms from. You also see directly in front the old Town Hall and Court building and just caught in the photo behind them was the Old Police Station and also Hargreaves Street Mill Chimney. Just opposite the Police Station was another street called Howarth Street - at the moment I don't have any photos of this Street.Church Street

Nurse Edith Cavell Memorial Service - Procession heading up Church Street(Click over to enlarge)This is a procession leading up to the Parish Church for the Memorial Service of Nurse Edith Cavell who was executed in Belgium on the charge of helping Allied soldiers to escape..Photo shows Church Street how it used to be with the "Bird In Hand", and the "Masons" on the left hand side and the "Bull's Head" on the right hand side as you look at the photo. Also the Church Lads Brigade are at the forefront of the photograph.Photo: Uploaded here on 26th April 2016

Hargreaves Street intercept with Church Street(Click over to enlarge)

Photo: kindly contributed and copyright held by Michael Mullaney.

In this photo you just see the end of Hargreaves Street as it intercepts with Church Street, and you can see Halsteads old Butchers Shop along with others together with the old Bird In Hand pub at the end of the row. The shop on the corner displays the St. Johns Ambulance sign in their window and it was from here that the organization had their meetings, you can also see this in the photo above.

Church Street showing the shops and the Bird In Hand Pub

Has you then turned up Church Street these were the buildings which would have appeared on your right hand side (although in this photograph you are looking down on them. You can still see the old buildings which were next to the Swan Hotel on the bottom corner, then coming up you can see the entry into Hargreaves Street. If you continued up here and just as you had left the Bird in Hand Pub you would come to Wilkinson Street on your right hand side.

So if we now retrack to the bottom of George Street where it joins on with Market Place and make our way to the bottom of Church Street, you would have passed several old shops on your right hand side and this area was better known as Market Place. From this postcard below you can also see that the original Big Lamp was situated close to here.

Market Place (with lead offs to Church St and George St)

So on the corner of Market Place was the Swan Hotel and we could now turn up into Church Street. You can see in the above photo the building which later became the Trades Club which is on the left hand side corner. next to that but higher up was Tony Haworth's Dads (then Tony's) Butchers Shop, and the larger buildings to its right was Frank Heaps Chemist and Opticians, just out of the picture on the next block was Mr. Goldworthy's the herbalist

Up the side of and around the back of the Public Hall and Church Street we have or had:

This photograph is Hartley Street looking from Salem Street (where the St. James C of E School is today) which was immediately at the back of the Public Hall. The building on the right of the photo is what was the "Public Hall". Just past the Morris Minor car and opposite the other car parked up was the entry into Lover's Lane which was running parallel and to the back of Church Street.

A photo of Hartley Street looking towards Salem Street

Photo: Kindly contributed and copyright held by Chris Kirby

I love this photo it means such a lot to me. My Dad's Auntie Martha (Yorke) lived in the house set back with the Morris Minor car outside. I remember going with my dad as a young boy (over 63 years ago!), and can picture her now rocking away in front of the fire.

On the right side entry was to Lover's Lane. On the left hand side was the gable to the large properties on Church St, then you had Hughie Durnings (Joiner and Undertaker) and then the back entrance to the Public Hall.

Lover's Lane

Lover's Lane(Photo: Kindly contributed and copyright held by Chris Kirby)

This was accessed from Hartley Street as seen from the two earlier photos. You could continue up this Lane to the Church or you could cut out by the alleyways on your right hand side which led on to Church Street.

Sheep Green

A rare photo of long gone Sheep Green along with a very young Jimmy Babbister (Click over photo to enlarge)Photo: Kindly contributed by John Bedford and uploaded here on 13th April 2016

Thanks to the following who have so kindly helped with their contributions to make this blog possible: Michael Mullaney, Marie Ives, Barbara Greenwood, Jackie Ramsbottom, Chris Aspin, Chris Kirby, Robert Wade, Heather Holden, John Bedford.

Blog Authors and Contacts

Bryan Yorke (bryan.yorke@sky.com)

Jackie Ramsbottom (jax1956@googlemail.com)

GET IN TOUCH OR CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

Why not follow us on our facebook page dedicated to run alongside the "Haslingden Old and New Blog". The page has been set up so that we can keep regular Notices of current blogs on the site which we will try and do by linking across. Occasionally we will also put on old blogs that may bear relation to current topics etc, also one of the main advantages is so that members can participate and comment and add information themselves should they so wish.

Also please bear in mind that a lot of people who make contributions to the blog do not wish to have their contributions mirrored across to "Facebook" and those will only be put on the blog alone.

Just added or about to

(16th February 2018) Moving across lots of photos and contributed information and names across from the Facebook pages to the main blogs for archiving under their appropriate headings.

(16th February 2018) We have just started a new blog for the Haslingden Labour Party which can be viewed by clicking here

(12th February 2018) We have just started a new blog for the Haslingden Soroptomist which can be viewed by clicking here

(18th January 2018) Chris Aspin is looking for more supernatural tales etc for his next book - you can contact Chris on chris_aspin@yahoo.co.uk or speak to him on 01706 227129.

(18th January 2018) Lots going on at the moment, copying down the Haslingden/Helmshore RFP photos thanks to Peter Fisher. Out of the hundreds only managing to put on up to several a day at present. We expect these to last us for up to six months or so and then in reserve we have some more great photos from two other sources as well, but these will be later. Please in the meantime enjoy!! Instead of just photos all the time I think the blog is in desperate need of articles or snippets etc or a blog more in the written format - we will see what we can do soon!

(7th January 2018) Just started a new blog called Haslingden Sport - BOWLS in readiness to accomodate several photos.

(7th January 2018) Still loading lots of RFP Photos kindly shared to us by Peter Fisher, also archiving them into the Photo Album with many going into their appropriate blogs as well.

(2nd January 2018) Added lots of the RFP Photos kindly shared to us by Peter Fisher, and still several hundred HASLINGDEN AND HELMSHORE related to add yet so please keep checking on a daily basis.

(2nd January 2018) HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

OLDER/PREVIOUS "JUST ADDED HISTORIES" THAT WERE HERE ARE NOW ARCHIVED BELOW PLEASE SCROLL DOWN IF YOU WISH TO CHECK THEM OUT.

Request for Photos and Sending photos for the Blog

We are constantly struggling to find photos to fill the header on the front page and so your photos would be a absolute delight to receive and as long as they are yours and of historic value, we have no problem showing them on the blog, so many people get so much pleasure from these. The feedback has been quite remarkable. So please send your scans of the photos in so they can be put on the blog and subsequently filed within the blog, and can then be seen by the thousands who are watching on a regular basis. This way hopefully the photos will be preserved for not just us but also for the future generations of Hazeldeners, Haslingdonians, Ex pats and friends. Thank you.....

Also just as important as photos are memories or stories of the past and other snippetts of information which may give pleasure together with any posters, programmes and scans of memorabilia pertaining to Haslingden.

If at all possible can photos being submitted to the blog as jpeg images (or another image type file if preferred), and be sent to me in a "full" or at least "large" resolution size (eg: the original size which they are scanned at) and without any reductions in size, before sending through to me. If I have them in full resolution I can do far more with them especially when it comes to showing enlargements etc eg "click over the image to enlarge" etc.

Don't worry should this be a problem, I can still show them in smaller resolution sizes, because even small photos are better than no photo.

Thank you.

Bryan.

Preserve the past in words and pictures

Over the many years there must be lots of interesting facts and tales what have gone on within our Haslingden and Helmshore, some vintage, some old and some new....

And here in our blog we are trying to re-introduce some of this precious information and where possible also offer photographs...

As they say its probably only the tip of the iceberg, but its got to be worth "Passing it on or sharing it before it gets lost forever" ... Have you something you want to share? If so please let us know.

Description of the Arms of the Borough (shown above) - The Arms and Crest of which the following is a description, were assigned to the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Haslingden, by grant from the Herald's College, dated 25th March, 1892 and are therein described as follows: Quarterly Or and Argent on a fesse wavy Azure between a Lion rampant purpure, holding between the paws a Quatrefoil ermine, in the first quarter; six Eagles displayed three, two and one; Gules in the centre chief point a Rose of the last barbed and seeded proper, in the second; a Cog-wheel Sable, in the third; a Pick-axe in bend surmounting a spade in bend sinister, entwined by a Chain in arch all proper in the fourth; a Shuttle fesswise of the first tipped and furnished with thread pendant of the second and for the Crest, on a wreath of the colours upon a Mount a Rock thereon, a Moorcock holding in the beak a Sprig of Hazel, between two branches of Hazel fructed all proper.

Haslingden in its own right was incorporated as a Municipal Borough in the year 1891 and ran most of its affairs from the Municipal Offices, Bury Road (now Car Park) - see photo below. Sadly in 1974 it lost most of its former Independance by being swallowed up to form part of the (then) new Rossendale Borough Council...

The government of the place in 1825 was thus described: 'The district is formed into six divisions called posts or stations, and the executive consists of a constable and six churchwardens. Each churchwarden is charged with the care of a station and is made responsible for its good order.' The system appears to have been successful at the time. It was not till 1875 that a local board was formed. The district ruled by it was extended in 1883 so as to include parts of Haslingden, Henheads, Higher and Lower Booths in the parish of Whalley, and also Musbury and part of Tottington in Bury. In 1891 a charter of incorporation was granted, the council consisting of a mayor, six aldermen and eighteen councillors, chosen by six wards named Town, Acre, Syke, Helmshore, Holden and Grane. The borough area was consolidated into a single township, called Haslingden, in 1894.

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The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company's (later LMS) line from Clifton to Accrington did run northward through the township, having stations at Helmshore and at Haslingden, it was opened in August 1848.

Dr. Aikin, writing in 1795, says:—Haslingden has been greatly improved within the last twenty years, chiefly from the increase of the woollen manufacture, though much of the cotton trade has likewise been introduced within a few years, particularly the branch of making twist for warps, for which purpose alone several factories have been erected in its neighbourhood. . . . The people were (forty years since) chiefly employed by moneyed men at Rochdale; but now the trade is supported by capitals acquired on the spot by the industry and enterprising spirit of the manufacturers, who have erected inns for the entertainment of travellers, shops and handsome houses for their own residence. A square is lately planned here, and some capital houses are already built in it. . . . A number of mills for carding cotton and sheep's wool and spinning them into cotton twist and woollen yarn for the flannels made here, are erected upon the Swinnell. There is also a corn mill on the river, formerly belonging to the Holden family, now extinct.

Haslingden was one of the chapels existing when Whalley was bestowed on the monks of Stanlaw, and in 1296 it was found that its tithes were worth 5 marks and the altarage 4 marks; the chaplain had a stipend of 4 marks, and the chapel had an endowment of 1 oxgang of land. The church, which is now called St. James's, was rebuilt in the time of Henry VIII and again in 1780, after having fallen down. There was no regularly founded chantry, but in 1548 the names of two priests were recorded in the bishop's visitation list, and the same in 1554; later there was only one minister, the curate. His fixed income was £4 a year out of the rectory of Whalley. The Commonwealth Church Survey of 1650 fails to give any account of the income of Haslingden Chapel, but in 1717 it had £17 8s. 7¾d. a year, including £11 10s. out of the rectory, various fees and the Easter roll. There were six chapelwardens. In 1719 George Hargreaves and others gave £200 to augment the endowment, and with later increments the net value is now £368. The vicars of Whalley formerly presented the curates, but about 1848 the Hulme Trustees acquired the patronage. The benefice is styled a vicarage. In the 16th century the north chapel was acquired by the Rawstornes of New Hall in Tottington. The south chapel belonged to the Holdens of Holden. 'In 1857, during alterations, there were found in a cavity under the floor of the church where the altar anciently stood a skull and crossbones with traces of gilding upon them, and therefore believed to be the relics of St. James, the patron saint.' A large 'plague stone,' with two holes in it, was found in the churchyard. The entries in the registers begin about 1620, but are only fragmentary until 1653.From: 'Townships: Haslingden', A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6 (1911), pp. 427-433. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=53147

Municipal Offices, Bury Road...

Up until 1974 all Council business was carried out here. Previous to being the Council Offices it was the family home of Thos Woodcock (Solicitor) and better known as West End. Sadly the building is now demolished and it is a Car Park for the Haslingden Community Link Project.

PUBS THAT HAD BEEN THERE AND SOME THAT STILL ARE THERE, AND OTHERS I WAS TOLD ABOUT !….(from what I can remember and also historic ones) ...

The Lighter Side

If you fancy just checking out my more "artistic" side with, poetry, sketches, drawings and photos etc. then have a quick look at my my Nature and Poetry blog by Clicking Here.

Autumnwatch 2014

with Michaela and Chris

Media

If you want to check out my time on BBC Autumnwatch Extra at Leighton Moss 2014 with Brett WestwoodPlease Click Here (Film is for approx 20 mins duration)

If you want to check out my time on BBC Autumnwatch Extra at Leighton Moss 2013 with Euan Mcilwraith Please Click Here (Film is for approx 20 mins duration)

Finding of rare Holly Fern for BBC North West with Beccy Meehan. Please Click Here (Film is for approx 1min 20 seconds duration)

A lovely film showing both of the rare Holly Ferns which was made and given to me as a gift by my good friend Brian Gomm of Kendal. Please click here to check it out. (Film is for approx 6 mins duration)

Great Feedback, thanks...

Tina O'Toole from Canada (26th Dec 2008) Dear Bryan, I had a thorough look at all your work, and want to tell you that it is really a great web-site. It must have been a lot of work, and you should be heartily patted on the back for your part in helping to preserve history. Tina

Leonie Pujol (17th Jan 2009) Dear Bryan, I love your web site. I am collating old photo's of Haslingden for my gran and grandad, and your site has been brilliant. I thought I would send you a few photo's which may be of interest to you.

Jeff Stevens (21st January 2009) Hello, Just a line to say how much I enjoyed your Haslingden Blog site, very informative! Once again keep up the good work. Regards Jeff Stevens

Pete Shuttleworth (9th February 2009) HI BRYAN, my name is pete shuttleworth, born and bred in helmshore i think this site is brilliant, remember corner cafe top of grane road, savoy coffee bar run by malcolm burns, public hall dances. i'm 62 now, some good football teams too, keep up the good work i'm your biggest fan PETE

Peter Taylor (28th February 2009) Hello Bryan Very interesting piece about the proposed Haslingden Canal, I wonder if they ever got around to surveying the route it would be fascinating to see where it was planned to run (or perhaps flow should be a better term) it would have needed a considerable number of locks and no doubt a water source at the summit. On Google Earth the canal takes a very sharp bend at Church and you could certainly see where it could have made a junction. Do you know where the connection would have been at the other end? Keep up the good work, I follow your additions with great interest. Peter

Joan Merrill (8th March 2009) Dear Bryan, I have just found your Haslingden blog which led me to look for my other photos taken in 1957. The paper shop at the top of Station steps was owned by Nightingale's but that could be in the 40's. The pub near Alderson's paper shop was the Red Lion I think. I found the blog very entertaining but I find I must have been away too long to remember lots of the people you mentioned. Cheers Joan.

Michael Coatman (17th March 2009) hi Bryan What a fabulous site,many thanks for taking the time & trouble to do this.I wonder if you could help me with some additional information-could you tell me when The Tankards became the Magnet Inn,I would guess about 20 years ago? Thanks Michael.

Richard Asplen (31st March 2009) Dear Bryan, Have you an exact location for the street intersection with the ' Bradbury ' shop. My stepfather, who is now 86 years old is the grandson of the owner at the time of the 'photo.' Though their connection with the Haslingden area goes back to 1800, (shoe makers) He has provided me with family information, but as you can imagine it's not what could be useful ' archival ' information. I have more photo's from a family album, and will pass them on, should they be of some worth. You have a great community web site there. A pleasure to come across. All the best... Richard

Douglas Newton (1st May 2009) This is a very good website. Douglas Newton.

Paul Mlynarz in Australia (3rd May 2009) Love your Haslingden stuff Bryan, I remember the Woolies really well – bought many things there when I stayed with my Gran at Helmshore. And ... never knew Hollands Pies has a Haslingden origin. I NEVER miss a Hollands pie when in Manchester area. God, I love ‘em! regards Paul Mlynarz eastgippsland.com tel: (03) 5157 9351 web design, hosting and management services. manchesterbeat.com the story of the Manchester music scene of the sixties

Peter Taylor (8th May 2009) Hi Bryan Excellent stuff about the railway, I remember watching the trains run along the embankment from my grandma's house on Fern Terrace, have you anything about Helmshore station or pictures of Grane Road railway? I have a vivid memory of a dirty black steam engine running tender first over the bridge pulling a couple of guards vans - magic! Looking at the extent of the information now contained in your blogg it's turning into a fantastic record of times past - what a great achievement! Keep up the good work and many thanks for helping to keep these memories fresh. Peter

Arlene Harris (12th May 2009) Thanks, Bryan, I didn't know you'd done all these sites - haven't seen some of them before. They're wonderful, and a great credit to you. Haven't had chance yet to do them justice but managed a quick look. Ths is a worthy document you've created and will be a valuable source for anyone researching the area or simply wanting to know more. Congratulations. See you soon Arlene

Martin Molloy (16th May 2009) Hi Bryan, Have visited your Haslingden Old & New site regularly & with much interest & enjoyed the brilliant detailed info & photo's. I will send you some old photos of the Medals. Best Regards, Martin Molloy

Ian Hacking (30th July 2009) Hi Bryan What a great blog I really enjoyed the photo’s of the CLB 1958 I am on both of them 2nd person in on the top row on the photo with the shield And the summer camp one where I am 2nd row up 3rd person in. I can remember most of the people in your blog and possibly a few more. My name is Ian Hacking and I had a brother Clifford And our father Bert Hacking was the bakery manager for the co-op. And we lived firstly up shoot at 2 Fir St then moved to Dale St. Regarding shops on East Deardengate before The disc shop opened the shop was called “Whitewell Dairy’s” selling Cheese and ice cream and other dairy products the manageress was Ada Hacking my Aunt and I can remember helping her out during school hols from Haslingden Modern School I left Haslingden in 1959 to join the Merchant Navy ,I now live in Worsley, Gt Manchester I have lots of memories and I will try and sort out some photo’s Once again well done Regards Ian Hacking

Patrick Baker - ex pat from Hud Hey (22nd Sept 09) Bryan, I found your blog on Haslingden Old and New via a link from mrrobertwade(wadey)'s photos on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalewadey/ . This is just to say how much I have enjoyed looking at the blog. I moved to Haslingden with my family in about 1961 when I was ten - and we lived at 112 Hud Hey Road! I remember you and your mum and dad and your mum's sister (Miss Kettle?) who lived next door. I think you were about 14 or so - a few years older than me. Later we moved to 40 Hud Hey Road, next door to Mrs Porter's shop just before Carr Hall St. Finally, we lived at 41 Hud Hey Rd, higher up again and just about opposite nos 110 and 112. It was the house with the pointed garden at the end of the row, facing down Hud Hey. We left Haslingden to live in Preston about 1967. It is great to see again the bridge on Hud Hey Road over the railway - that was right next to no. 41 - and I spent many hours there watching out for the trains - mainly dmu's by then but the odd steam train pulling freight or a holiday special. It was also great to see the photo of the view down to the station over the fields and Martin Croft Rd and the old laundry. This was our view too from the back of no 112. I also remember some of the people you mention - Billy Walsh and his wife who ran the off licence on Blackburn Rd, Gerald Birtwell, painter and decorator - I was friends with his younger brother Steven who also lived on Hud Hey, and later I was friends with Oliver Martin who lived just up from me (no. 54 I think) and worked as an apprentice for Gerald when he left school. I expect some of these people are still around the area of course, but it was a good time for me and it's great to be reminded of those days on your blog. I now live in Gloucester and, sadly, haven't been back to Rossendale for years. Many thanks and all the best, Patrick Baker

Jennifer Gavan (nee Edwards) (29th November 2009) Hiya Bryan I thoroughly enjoy everything on the then and now site. very well done to you. I tell anyone who will listen about it and hope they have a look and get as much pleasure from the site as I did. You know me anyway- jennifer edwards as was . Married to Peter 42 years . Wonderful what you have done- more power to you cheerio Jennifer Gavan

Dave Rothwell (4th December 2009) Hi Bryan, Many thanks for the Haslingden Blog - most enjoyable Best Wishes, Dave Rothwell. (Dave's dad and grandad used to have Rothwells pram shop next to the Post Office)

Chris Kydd (Mrs) (7th February 2010) Hi, Re: Haslingden & Grane Sites, Just came across your sites. Although I have put in searches for Grane etc before, I only came on it by accident as it is listed as a nature site. My Maternal ancestors had the Wellington from at least 1881-1901 and my Paternal ancestors were in Grane from about 1866. My Granny went to school and Chapel there and later my Mother as a child lived there. So, as you can imagine, the pictures were a wonderful find. Well done on a wonderful historic site and thank you for all your hard work in producing it. Best Regards, Cris Kydd (Mrs)

Sue Ashton (nee Wardle) in Crete - 1st Mar 2010. Many thanks for all your hard work compiling the Haslingden Old and New website. I live in Crete nowadays and it is good to be reminded of the Haslingden I knew as a child. Thanks also to Dave Rothwell for the photographs - I can't believe how many people (including him!) I recognised from my days at St. James CE School over 50 years ago! I eagerly await the next instalment. Best Wishes, Sue Ashton (nee Wardle)

Jim Nuttall in Haslingden - 20th October 2010 I am sorting through all my old photo's, hopefully I will find some more school ones. You will be the first to know when I do. It is you that is inspiring me, with your wonderful Blog sites. keep up the good work Bryan. Jimbo

John Harrison Blake (London) 9th Dec 2010. Keep up the good work with your blog. It is fascinating. John

David Stevenson (Haslingden) 15th Apr 2011 Thanks for all the hard work you have put into the Haslingden Old and New web site we have spent hours looking at it. David Stevenson

Ken Stott (Ex Stott & Vizzard TV Rentals & Repairs) 22nd May 2011. The work that you have put in on the Blog is fantastic I just wish we had the sameamount on Rawtenstall. Well done.Regards Ken

Chris Reid - 10th January 2012.Hi BryanI can only thank you for the time and effort you have put in to the site. It has helped me no end to restore my memory.If i can recall anything more as I read through I will e-mail you. please feel free to post any info i send that you consider useful. I think there should be a list of town characters and some of their antics.all the best Chris Reid

Rosa (Italy - 31st Jan 2012) Used to live in Carr Hall Street as a child.Your web site is very interesting, I love reading it, brings back a lot of memories.

Louise Whaley (9th Feb 2012)

I absolutely love your website. It is so clear and easy to use. It must have taken a lot of time and effort,so I well done!Kind regards Louise

Pat & John Bedford (Helmshore 10th Feb 2012)

I enjoy your Haslingden site very much, and look forward to reading your latest topic, even though I am a Great Harwood girl at heart, Keep up the good work. Pat and John Bedford.

Dick Bateman (Chapel En Le Frith - 13th April 2012)I 've enjoyed your blog - well done! and just so that you know that such resources as yours bear fruit in very unexpected places!Best Wishes,Dick Bateman (Brought up in Worthing, now in Chapel En Le Frith, Derbyshire).

John McGuire (Ex Pat Victoria - Australia - 2nd May 2012)I have been reading the Blog for the past few years and the articles have been very interesting and nostalgic.Keep up the good work. John.

Sandra Taylor (nee Lees) 18th July 2012.I would like to say well done and thanks for a fabulous encylopedia of Haslingden's history.

Margaret Clegg (Nee Gowers) 21st July 2012 - Ex Pat from Dorset.Just been pleasently surprised by your blog, it's wonderful especially the photos and information about the shops in Deardengate, which I have written about in my memoirs. My name is Margaret Gowers and we lived at number 3 Bell Street, the top of the town was our playground. My memoirs have been written for my children and their children but your photos added a different dimension to them.

Sandra Scott 31st July 2012 - Ex Pat from Perth, Australia. Just want to say thanks for putting together such a great site - I've lived in Perth Australia these last 17 years, and before that travelled around a fair bit, and I never felt home-sick til I found your site! Thanks again for doing such a great job, much appreciated!CheersSandra Scott.

Andrea Fell (nee Jenkinson) (1st August 2012).Thank you for helping me remember lovely memories and good luck with your website in the future.RegardsAndrea Fell

David Desforges (2nd January 2013)

Hi Bryan, Just to let you know that every time someone adds info to the Haslingden blog web page from the fifty's and sixty's more childhood memories come flooding back, but this note is about the photo of blackburn road showing tailors butchers, don,t know who the bloke is on the pushbike but the man standing in the doorway opposite the shop is my dad George Desforges and is one of only a very few photos of my dad , the photo must be from around 1954- 56 becouse he passed away when i was eight ,must look at that photo at least once a week,thanks again ,david desforges

Eileen Ball (Wiltshire) (25th February 2013).

I have been tracing my family history for 20 years now and wish I had found your fantastic site much earlier! Its has been a joy to wander through the old stories and photo's on your site.

Now that I have found the site, I shall be checking back on a regular basis. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you have put into it.

Regards, Eileen.

Alison May (nee Heywood) ex pat from Nottingham - (15th March 2013)

Hi Bryan

I am writing to thank you for the fantastic work you put into the blog its great and I am impressed that its kept so up to date. I discovered it quite by chance when I was missing home a few years ago.

Alison May (nee Heywood)

Francesca Grimshaw (nee Hendry) (21st March 2013)

Hi there,

Me and my parents have had a great time reading your blog - lots of memories, thanks for putting it together

Francesca.

Debbi Yehia Moustafa (nee Bennett) (21st March 2013)

Well, what can I say, but, you have made my day!! I was searching for a postcode for my old address in Carrs Village, when you're amazing blog came up!!

Some of my best memories ever are from those days living there.

Wow, I am just so happy to have found this wonderful blog.... thank you sooo much!

Debbi Yehia Moustafa (nee Bennett)

Sheila Calder (ex pat - Canada) (17th May 2013)

Just want you to know I love the stuff you have done here. It brings back a lot of memories. Mr grandfather was John Goldsworthy - he was the herbalist on Church Street. Old shop is long gone now!

Thanks,

Sheila Calder.

Louise Dobson (3rd June 2013)

I'm writing to say thank you for your super blog. I teach at Stonefold Primary School and we are currently exploring our local history. I've used your blog for background research and for class resources - very helpful indeed! I'm sure the children will get a lot out of it.

Best Regards,

Louise Dobson.

Sandra Kearsley (10th August 2013)

Thank you once again it appears your blog was a god send for the information I have received, I should hopefully locate the present day location. thank you again Sandra

Ilyas Khan (ex pat now Accrington (18th August 2013)

Dear Bryan, I really enjoyed discovering the hassy web site. I lived on Hartley Street, went to St. James, on regent street, and then Hassy Grammar, until we moved to Accrington. But I think my heart never left Haslingden.

Thank you,

Ilyas Khan.

Kevin Molloy (ex pat now London - 15th September 2013)

Been living in London now for the past 25 years.

Really enjoy your site and appreciate the hard work you put in.

Best Regards,

Kevin.

John Oakley (24th October 2014)

I found your page during the process of researching my Great Grandfather, and visit it regularly, it is a wonderful resource, and I wish you all the very best. Yours Sincerely, John Oakley.

Alen Fielding (ex pat now Queensland, Australia - 22nd January 2014)

Your Blog - Fantastic! I am 82yrs. old now, and it is highly unlikely I will be able to afford a return visit, much as I would like to,so you have made it possible to wander down memory lane in spirit! Many thanks.

Alen.

Jean Nuttall (15th February 2014)

Hi Bryan, The Haslingden Old and New site is great, I love looking at old photos of Haslingden and it brings back lots of good memories. On your photo album section I have just found a photo of Spring Gardens. I was born in Spring Gardens in 1955 in the house in that photo, the one with the steps. Thanks for a great site and thanks for the memories. Kind regards, Jean Nuttall.

Shamsheer Quereshi (20th December 2014)

Hi Bryan

Thank you for your blog on Haslingden; it was enlightening and would encourage you to continue with it.

Thanking you

Shamsheer Qureshi

Chris Aspin (12th January 2015)

keep up the good work with your website. I often read your site, which has far more information than most libraries.

all good wishes,

Chris.

Alan Saunders (28th February 2015) Ex Pat Switzerland

I have recently discovered your web site and found it very fascinating. You are doing a fine job. I want to congratulate you for the work that you have already done and encourage you to continue.

Jean Wolstenholme (12th March 2015)

Keep up the good work with your site. We both enjoy regular visits to your site and appreciate the hard work involved.

Dr John Dunleavy (14th March 2015)

I do take an occasional look at the material you are able to put out. Keep up the good work!

John

Andrew Bridge (8th April 2015)

Hi Bryan

Firstly, can I say what a brilliant job you do on the blog - it's a fantastic resource for anyone with any interest in the history of the town.

Alan Byers (15th July 2015 Ontario, Canada)

Dear Bryan, Iv'e been keeping in touch with my old home town via your wonderful blog since I discovered it a few years ago.I lived in Jubilee Rd. From 1938 till leaving for Canada in 1970. We still have friends there who we see occasionally but it's wonderful to be able to look back on it and it's history any time I want.Keep up the good work. Alan Byers Kingston,On.

Ilyas Khan (1st December 2015)

Dear Bryan,

I wish to thank you for this wonderful gift of the blog and the private website

Maureen Whitehead (nee Mead) ex pat Kuala Lumpur (25th January 2016)

Thanks for the great work you are doing on the site. It's so good to see all the posts. I am living in Kuala Lumpur, so seeing a bit of Haslingden is great when you are so far away.

David Clough - ex pat Sth Northamptonshire (1st February 2016)

Congratulations on such a detailed and interesting undertaking.

Susan Layton-O'Sullivan (Germany) 13th Feb 2016

Super, thanks, It's a great website/blog, by the way, I've learned a lot about Haslingden, two days ago it was just a name on the bedspread.

Michael Hogan ex pat South of France - 26th Feb 2016

I really enjoy the Haslingden blogspot. It is certainly the most interesting town website that I have ever seen.

Just added or about to - Histories Archived from 1st October 2012 to

(31st December 2017) We have created a further 3 new blogs eg: HASLINGDEN SPORT - Pigeon Fanciers etc and HASLINGDEN SPORTS - Darts and Dominoes - and HASLINGDEN SPORTS - Snooker, Billiards and Pool.

(29th December 2017) Just added two more photos showing members of (suggested) Haslingden Arts Club, and also another unlabelled event showing Alec Taylor and James Cockerill - Thanks to Peter Fisher for sharing with us

(28th December 2017) Just added a photo of Haslingden Academicals FC and also one from St. Mary's FC - Kindly shared with us by Peter Fisher

(28th December 2017) Added a sketch of Sunnybank Cottages and also a old photo of Haslingden Football Club - Kindly shared to us by Peter Fisher. Also now archived under HASLINGDEN SPORT - FOOTBALL

(12th December 2017) We have introduced a new blog which will be called Haslingden Sport - FOOTBALL which can be accessed by clicking here This new blog has been taken from the already Helmshore Methodist Football Club and now we have also added Helmshore United Football Club to the same blog and renamed the blog as such. Later the same blog will include other Haslingden teams eg: St. James, St. Mary's etc etc.

(11th December 2017) Two new Salem Methodist walking day photos added - thanks to Sue Ashton.

(2nd December 2017) Added more Newspaper Cuttings to the new blog CLICK HERE

(27th November 2017) Just added a photo of Haslingden Modern School students kindly shared by Harry Maden.

(27th November 2017) Just added a cutting The Hutch Bank Mill blow up - kindly shared by Jackie.

(19th November 2017) More brilliant newspaper cuttings have now been added which can be found by clicking here.

(18th November 2017) Just added a couple of photos showing Bert Marsden (Blacksmith) and also two photos of the 1919 Peace celebrations thanks to Stephen and Joan Nuttall.

(18th November 2017) Just added a great photo of the Bishops visitation to St. Veronicas in Aug 1972 with Father Iggy Knowles. Thanks to Lawrence Gregory for sharing.

(17th November 2017) We have just started off a new blog called "Newspaper Cuttings of Haslingden and Helmshore" kindly collected and compiled by Jackie.

(16th November 2017) Just added a further verse to my poem "Knock it Daaern" to reflect on the recent demolition of St. Veronicas which was previously the home to the Baxter family.

(11th November 2017) Just added three lovely "war poems" from the Great Boar War and written by Haslingden soldiers and kindly shared to us by Jane Siddall

(10th November 2017) Just added 15 rare aerial photos showing the construction of the Haslingden By Pass from back in 1980/81. These photos were kindly shared to us by Alan Gardner. I have also archived the set within the Haslingden By Pass Blog

(5th November 2017) added a new poem called "Dad and Charlie Snuffy liked a Pinch and also archived under Poetry from Hazeldene

(31st October 2017) Just added a further three photos from Hollands Pies kindly shared to us by Jack Pilling.

(13th September 2017) Now included a photo of the ginnel which runs down the side of the Black Bull and used as a shortcut to Ratcliffe St. Thanks to both Jenni Coates and also to Robert Wade for the photo. Now included in Ginell Blog

(4th September 2017) starting to add a collection of photographs taken many years ago by Derek Woodhall

(4th September 2017) added a photo from 1958 of S.S. Stotts Patternmakers - thanks to Sue Ashton for sharing with us.

(1st September 2017) added a photo showing the pens just below Lower Lane were West View is built today. Thanks to Terry McGuire for sharing with us.

(28th August 2017) Added a photo of St. James Billiard Team from the mid 1930s - Kindly shared to us by Terry Tattersall and also archived under St. James. Also a nice newspaper photo showing the team from 1928 and kindly shared by Jackie.

(23rd August 2017) Added three new to us photos of Salem Methodist Church Walking day from around 1958 or 1959, thanks kindly to Sue Ashton. Also now archived under Salem

(21st August 2017) Added a lovely photo of the late Dave Molloy (Musician and Folk Singer) of Haslingden together with two links of Dave and Joan performing on You Tube please click here and scroll down

(18th August 2017) Just added 9 photos of Salem Church - Haslingden Printing Works, Manchester Road Church, Manchester Road Walking Day and Haslingden Sec Modern School Class 2A. Thanks to David Emison for sharing.

(16th August 2017) A photo of St. Mary's School c1917 kindly shared to us by Terry Tattersall.

(12th August 2017) A stream of photos from Haslingden County Secondary Modern School 1951 - Kindly shared by Shirley Thompson from an album presented to Capt. J.G. Almond O.B.E. These photos will also soon be archived under the Haslingden County Secondary Modern School Blog.

(10th August 2017) Just added two BBC R4 Broadcast of the Haslingden Grammar School and another from the Haslingden High School. Thanks to Chris Kirby for sharing.

(10th August 2017) Photo of Walking Day coming up Lower Deardengate. Photo kindly shared to us by Fiona Balchin

(10th August 2017) Photo of Station Hotel, Haslingden kindly shared to us by Fiona Balchin.

(4th August 2017) Just added two separate information request one from Lucy Flanagan searching for information on her late mother. And a further request from Nick McShane in the States who wants info on a Mr. Henry Ashworth Smith who worked at the Holden Wood Bleaching Co. Ltd in 1916

(3rd August 2017) Just added a great photo showing Blackpool Tower in the window of Kirby' Grocers on Bury Road. Mr. Kirby built this for display. Photo kindly shared to us by Tim Kirby. Also now archived in the James Maxwell who co designed Blackpool Tower Blog.

(3rd August 2017) Just added a old photo of Ebenezer Baptist Church and part of the old Grammar School. Photo kindly shared to us by Tim Kirby.

(3rd August 2017) Just added a great old photo of Jim Riley and his shop No.1 George Street. Shows Jim at the age of 17 (1927) and he retired in 1977. Thanks to Brian Pickup for kindly sharing this with us.

(1st August 2017) Just added the last photo of members of the Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Bacup Outfall Sewage Board 1974. Kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam. Also shared is a trinket tray memorabilia.

(1st August 2017) Just added a two more paintings, one of the Higher Hollin Bank Farm and one of the Station Hotel by J. Scholes and also a sketch of Kings Highway by Cyril Barnes, kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam. Also now archived in the "Haslingden In Art" Blog

(1st August 2017) Just added a painting to the "Haslingden In Art" of the Musbury Valley by Joyce Scholes and kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam. Also now archived in the "Haslingden In Art" Blog

(30th July 2017) Just added a "Keep Fit Class" photo from the 1930's - kindly shared by Joanne Beetham.

(26th July 2017) Just added a photo from St. Mary's School class 1975 (Mr. Cartmells Class) Kindly shared by Lynn Morley-Cropper and also archived under St. Marys School Blog

(24th July 2017) The final 13 photos added today - kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group

(23rd July 2017) Just added a further 13 photos kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group

(22nd July 2017) Just added 33 various photos kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group.

(21st July 2017) Now added both the Frank Jackson Band photos eg The Metronomes and the Blue Echo Band to the Music from Hazeldene Blog

(21st July 2017) Just added a photo showing Winker and his friend with their guitars. Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group.

(20th July 2017) Just added a walking day photo which is probably the Congregational Church shown leaving Bury Road and into Hope St. Does anyone recognize anyone. Photo kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford.

(20th July 2017) Just added a photo of the "Blue Echo Band" which included Clarence Entwistle and Frank Jackson. Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford.

(20th July 2017) Just added a certificate presented to Mr. Frederick Jackson (Frank's dad) for services rendered in the first World War. Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford.

(20th July 2017) Just added a new to us photo of the Congregational Walking day coming up by the Regent Hotel on Regent Street. Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford.

(20th July 2017) Two new to us photos, one of the Ladies outing for the Haslingden Congregational Church and the other is for the Congregational Church Walking Day. Both photos have been kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford.

(20th July 2017) Just added two new to us photos with one showing Tom Fisher and Dorothy Ramsden and Jane's Mum and another photo showing a party being shown around the old Helmshore Textile Museum at Higher Mill. Both photos are kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group.

(18th July 2017) New to us photo added today of a group which include Vera Edmondson and Betsy Willan. Photo kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group

(17th July 2017) Just added two more photos one of a retirement party at the Health Centre and one showing Jimmy Ryan getting his hair cut for Charity - Photos kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group.

(15th July 2017) Photo showing a presentation. Thanks to Haslingden Roots Group for sharing. It's probably best now to give you chance to digest the new photos already shared today, although I will put more on over the coming days........

(15th July 2017) Can recognize Tom Chester so think it could be St. Peters. Thanks to Haslingden Roots Group. That's it for now I need to get on with my EPIPACTIS ATRORUBENS BLOG! (just checking you are still awake!!) back later on with some more.......

(15th July 2017) Denis and Joe in front of their buses - Photo thanks to the Haslingden Roots Group

(15th July 2017) Is that our Granville? Well I hope you did manage to stop off the fags! Photo: thanks to Haslingden Roots Group

(15th July 2017) Thanks to them for what they did. I can place a couple of these Haslingdonians. Thanks to Haslingden Roots Group for sharing the photo.

(15th July 2017) A nice photo of Miss Lucy Haworth and another person. think it maybe Soroptomist related. Photo kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group

(15th July 2017) Graham Woodcock reaching into the raffle tub - Photo: kindly shared to us by Haslingden Roots Group

(10th June 2017) A photo of the celebrations of the MP the late Mike Noble from October 1974 kindly sent shared to our facebook page by Sandra Hilton. I will probably start a new blog shortly called "Haslingden's Politics" and will then include this photo within that blog.

(21st April 2017) Just uploaded three photos of GREEN CORN FARM, Stonefold. The farm was also known as MAGPIE HOLE and PEWITT HALL..

(20th April 2017) Just uploaded three St James C of E School Student photos for 1950,1951,1952 - Kindly shared by Peter Wood.

(16th April 2017) I do think now that the problems I was having with the blog and the corruption affecting the size of the photos (when you attempted to click over the photo to enlarge) has now been rectified throughout the blog.

(14th April 2017) Just added a further three old photos of shops which were at the bottom of Pleasant Street attached to the once "Martin's Bank".

(9th April 2017) Deardengate (East Side), Blackburn Road Shops, Top O'th Slate (Cribden etc), Bentley House (Whisky),Bridge End, Fire Brigade and Ben Barnes's Blog for both Wagons and Coaches photos have now been brought up to date with higher resolution photos.

(8th April 2017) Now added a photo of Ebenezer Baptist Badminton Team thanks to Chris Kirby

(7th April 2017) Added a nice piece by Bob Phillips called "Urine Economy"...

(6th April 2017) added more Badminton photos from the scrapbook of Susan Whittaker (nee Nicholas)

(2nd April 2017) Added several links for programmes of shows put on by the Haslingden Amateur Operatic Society around the 1930s - external links kindly supplied by Peter Fisher.

(2nd April 2017) Added now 70 pages of the Haslingden Youth Club Scrapbook No. 1

(1st April 2017) Just added a further twenty pages (bringing the total now to 50 pages) to the HASLINGDEN YOUTH CLUB SCRAPBOOK No.1) with another 30 pages to go. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL DOWN.

(31st March 2017) Just ammended the Arts Club Blog to now include in the title Haslingden Amateur Operatic Society and also to provide links to Programmes for "A Country Girl" 1933 and also for Pirates of Penzance 1930.

(31st March 2017) Just uploaded a photo from the 1950s Haslingden Carnival which shows Willie Horam and Georgie Berry as the King and Queen. Also a link to some fine footage of the event.

(31st March 2017) Bob Phillips is checking out if we should do a blog about the Library.

(31st March 2017) Just uploaded a information request from Jeff Stevens wanting to know about a marker found at Haslingden Grane (Calf Hey)

(30th March 2017) Just uploaded the first twenty pages (of 80) of Scrapbook No.1 (1945-1948) of the Haslingden Youth Club activity and collated by the Head Warden the late John T. Wood and kindly shared with us by his son Peter Wood. CLICK OVER THIS LINK THEN SCROLL DOWN TO SCRAPBOOK 1

(29th March 2017) Added a old photo from the HYC Pantomime December 1945 "Sinbad The Sailor"

(28th March 2017) Added a old photo of Baxenden (Turkey Red)

(27th March 2017) Just added two old photos of the original bridge plans for the ELR Bridge 4304 for Mr. Worsley at Rising Bridge.

(27th March 2017) Just starting off a new blog called HASLINGDEN SPORT - BADMINTON will add photos etc shortly.

(27th March 2017) Shared Carter Place Hall old photo from Terry McGuire plus two Newspaper cuttings about the filming of "Hard Times" at Carter Place thanks to Chris Kirby

(26th March 2017) Now finished all 188 pages of the late John T. Woods Scrapbook for 1949 to 1957.

(25th March 2017) Just added three photos from early 1950s for Helmshore County Primary School, thanks to Lorraine Brumpton.

(25th March 2017) Just added two more Haslingden Youth Club John T Wood's scrapbook photos including: Boy Blue (Drama) and Badminton team

(24th March 2017) Just uploaded a photo of Helmshore CP School 1953-1954 kindly shared to us by Ian Jefferson

(24th March 2017) added further photo of Haslingden Youth Club photos.

(23rd March 2017) Added now 120 pages to the Scrapbooks of the late John T. Wood - Haslingden Youth Club pages

(23rd March 2017) Added a photo of the late John T. Wood (Youth Club Head Warden) with Lord Derby.

(21st March 2017) Just added a further two photos for the Haslingden Youth Club one for the BBC recording of the Young Generation of Question Time in 1952. Also one of the football team that played over in Bilstien, Germany 1955

(21st March 2017) A request for information on Eric Corbridge and his football playing days.

(19th March 2017 Now fixed all broken links within St. Marys Blog 1900hrs

(19th March 2017) Just added more Haslingden Youth Club photos for Badminton and Drama thanks to Peter Wood and Susan Whittaker

(18th March 2017) Just added a Bay Horse Hotel compliments slip thanks to Ron Baron and also added to Memorabilia Blog

(18th March 2017) Just added a further three Youth Club photos thanks to Peter Wood

(17th March 2017) Adding over 200 pages of newspaper cuttings and photos from the personal scrapbook of the late John T Wood (Head Warden of the Haslingden Youth Club) the scrapbook presently being published is 1949 to 1957. Please click here and scroll down for quick access

(15th February 2017) Added a request for a photo of the Estelle Dance Band photo from the drummers (Clifford Nicholas) daughter Susan Whittaker, please let me know if you can help.

(14th February 2017) Just added a snippet from Ian Cameron about the Haslingden War Relief Fund Flag Day.

(14th February 2017) Just added a photo of a Haslingden Cheese Dish.

(14th February 2017) Just added a oil painting of Cross Street North and South by Derek Woodhall 1983. Now included within the "Art Gallery".

(12th February 2017) Just added a photo of the children of Hudrake and local area thanks to Joyce Thorne

(11th February 2017) Just added three photos of The Coronation including one of the Commercial Hotel thanks to Mike Ellis of Broadstairs, Kent.

(11th February 2017) Just added a new blog called "The Mary Hindle Story" Compiled by Lorraine Hooper with additional notes by the late William Turner (2000)

(9th February 2017) Chris Reid is requesting information of why St. Mary's Church is now being called St. Marias.

28th January 2017) started off a new Blog called Paradise Lost and Little Prinny Hill and thereabouts. Click here

(25th January 2017) Added a photo of Overstall Grocers which is currently being offered for sale on Ebay

(25th January 2017) Added a small sketch showing just where Little Prinny Hill is.

(23rd January 2017) Added a small painting of Calf Hey by Colin Reeve - also now included on our Online Art Gallery.

(23rd January 2017) Added photos of Back Paradise Terrace and also Paradise Terrace (Ranters Row)

(17th January 2017) 3 lovely snofun photos kindly shared by Bob Phillips of his family before the changes at Victoria Park in the early 1980s

(13th January 2017) Dave Desforges has put on a great piece of when he used to go sledging near Donkey Row and Station Steps etc.

(13th January 2017) John McGuire has put on a link for the IDL Reunion of Class of 1951 - reunion 1991 film.

(12th January 2017) Added 6 photos of when they where emptying Holden Wood Reservoir about 20 plus years ago

(6th January 2017) Just added a photo of some of Mark Barnes drivers and also added six photos showing them emptying the bottom reservoir of fish so they could repair valves back in the 80s.

(6th January 2017) Just added a photo of Higher Deardengate in the 60s.

(4th January 2017) Just added postcard showing Haslingden Railway Station etc., plus another postcard showing the approach to the station via Station Steps.

(2nd January 2017) Just added two items of old Haslingden Memorabilia to the Memorabilia Blog

(30th December 2016) added a request from Jenny Robey who was fostered to the care of the people at Todd Hall around 1969 to 1971 and she would love to know where they are now and how she can get in touch.

(30th December 2016) added a fabulous piece on the 1970s politics involving the Labour Party and Jim Garnett etc.

(30th December 2016) added request of information from Anneli Rufus on metal detecting over Grane

(30th December 2016) Added two old photos of the market being held in upper deardengate, one from the early 1900s and one from the 1930s.

(18th December 2016) Just added a great story about the Ural motorbike written by Bob a ex pat of Haslingden.

(18th December 2016) Just added two fabulous Charcoal drawings and now added to our "Art Gallery"

(18th December 2016) Just added a photo kindly shared by John Dakin via Alan Green

(17th December 2016) Just added a fine painting showing a tram at the Commercial. Kindly shared to us by Terry McGuire and now added to our "Art Gallery".

(15th December 2016) Just added a old photo of Back Lane Farm, Rising Bridge (Northfield Road)

(15th December 2016) Updated Grateful Contributions with several more names, also added a "search bar" to the blog. Also added Chris Aspins new booklet to the left bar where it shows Haslingden books etc.

(13th December 2016) Chris Aspin has produced another new booklet called Strange, but True and details of where it can be obtained.

(10th December 2016) added a small piece on Les Howarths old sign put on facebook by Beverley Moore and since donated to Tony Winder's new shop

(10th December 2016) Beverley Moore kindly shared a pencil sketch of St. Thomas and its Lych gate by J.G. Hassell

(8th December 2016) Michael Mullaney has kindly shared some of his lovely memories of sledging.

(8th December 2016) Chris Aspin has posted a short notice from the Helmshore History Society

(7th December 2016) Just added some fabulous memories of Sledging and Sliding from Anna Cunnyngham

(7th December 2016) Just added one of John Holt's fabulous oil paintings to the Art Gallery.

(3rd December 2016) Some of my photos of the Grand Opening Day from on or around December 4th 1981.

(3rd December 2016) A beautiful montage panoramic photo kindly shared to us by Bob. It shows Carr Mill when it was the Shepherd Bros Timber Yard, together with Martin Croft, Carr Mill Street, and just a small section of the long demolished Back Carr Mill Street.

(3rd December 2016) Included a new painting to our Art Gallery of Carr Mill and Martin Croft Farm on a snowy day from back in 1977 and painted by Nellie Tindley.

(2nd December 2016) Some fabulous memoirs from Bob about the old "Bleach Works" and stories about the Wet End.

(2nd December 2016) A Email from Sally Howarth, requesting any photos of Ambrose C Williams who was a cricketer at Bentgate 1919 onwards.

(1st December 2016) Added a photo of workers off Bury Road and two more photos of Robin Hood

(20th November 2016) Just uploaded a photo of the Haslingden's Authorized Ale Taster's Goblet dating from 1896-97

(15th November 2016) Just uploaded four interesting old photos: Children handing monies over to the Mayoress for the disabled children, Haslingden Youth Club Coming of Age Ball 1962, Haslingden Choir at St. Marys Rawtenstall, and the Mayors Ball 1962 with the Mayor and Mayoress.

(14th November 2016) Just added a further four photos to the blog. Haslingden Council School, Haslingden Choir at the St. Stephens last Service, Mayors trip to Ambleside 1936 and finally 1963 Annual Childrens Ball with Mayoress Annie Mitchell and also shows John T. Wood

(15th October 2016) Just added a further three paintings to the art blog of Major David Halstead and done by Sam Fitton

(12th October 2016) Today I have started a new blog titled "Haslingden in Art" which follows on from the Photos, Postcards etc.....

(8th October 2016) Email received from Joseph Hiluta and printed here.

(7th October 2016) Mavene Kullerud in Norway is seeking information on his family if you can help please let me know.

(7th October 2016) Marie Ives has kindly sent in a photo of her dads brother and family and friends at Laund Hey in the 1920s.

(30th September 2016) Jan Kosyl has kindly sent in a photo from his St. Marys school days around 1959.

(28th September 2016) Added one of my photos of Haslingden chimneys and Tor.

(27th September 2016) Added one of my photos of Haslingden Central with Hutch Bank and Musbury Heights in the background.

(27th September 2016) Added a first communion card photo from Jan Kozyl.

(25th September 2016) Added request for information from Wendy Addison.

(25th September 2016) Added one of my photos showing Longshoot etc.

(23rd September 2016) Added one of my photos of Central Haslingden and beyond and also one of the sun rising just beneath the TV Mast at Criden End.

(21st September 2016) Chris Aspin shared a snippet about the 100th anniversary of the Zeppelin and bombs being landed locally with a display in the fruit and veg shop on Broadway Crescent thanks to the Helmshore Local History Society.

(21st September 2016) Added a photo showing the TV mask up near Cribden.

(20th September 2016) Added a photo of a local football team from 1929. Kindly shared to us by Lorraine Hooper (nee Eke)

(19th September 2016) Uploaded Spout House photo

(15th September 2016) Uploaded one of my photos showing Haslingden Old Road

(14th September 2016) Several photos being uploaded and kindly shared by Joan Lord. Haslingden Secondary Modern School, Porritts and Spencer, Hargreaves Street Mill, St. Peters etc.

(13th September 2016) A lovely little snippet from Sam Stott in Australia who is enjoying the blog and getting in touch with the kin of long lost friends.

(13th September 2016) Just added a photo from Rockhall towards Tor from 2003

(17th August 2016) Just uploaded a photo of Haslingden Cricket Club Carnival from 1923-24. Also am hoping to start a new blog this week showing some of the HCC photos etc. Please help out if you can with photos, notes, stories, nice tales or whatever you can, thank you......

(15th August 2016) Dave Wise has kindly shared some old photos from Porritts, Sunnybank Mill.

(14th August 2016) Jean Tomlinson has kindly sent in six photos to share with us.

(13th August 2016) Just added a great mail about Chip Shop from John R Edwards.

(12th August 2016) Just added a great mail about Chip Shop from one of our Ex Pats Harold (Sam) Stott who used to live in Mayfield and friends with "Chippy Kay" and Sam lives over in Victoria, Australia.

(12th August 2016) Just uploaded a lovely photo of Haslingden Bus decorated for the Silver Jubilee.

(4th August 2016) Dave Armstrong has kindly posted a photo of Porritts Memorabilia.

(4th August 2016) Just added scan of old letterheading from Porritts, Helmshore.

(30th July 2016) Just added a old photo of Helmshore Conservative Club.

(30th July 2016) A photo of a very old ceramic jug depicting Helmshore Conservative Club kindly sent in by Colin of Blackburn.

(29th July 2016) Uploaded a St James Student photo from 1965 kindly sent in by Paul Schofield

(29th July 2016) Uploaded a Salem Methodist event photo kindly sent in by Paul Schofield.

(29th July 2016) Uploaded notes from Mrs. Tomlinson via Michael Mullaney on the shops in central Haslingden from the early to mid 1900's.

(22nd July 2016) Thanks to Jennifer Shilliday for kindly posting her photos of the Freedom Parade 21st July 2016.

(22nd July 2016) Just added a very interesting local poem kindly sent in via David White.

(12th July 2016) Added two old photos with one depicting laying the tramlines at Acre and also a St. Marys Procession from 1919.

(10th July 2016) Just added Haslingden Grammar School Athletic Sports day photo from June 20th 1928

(5th July 2016) Just added a old photo of the Haslingden Church Lads Brigade

(2nd July 2016) Added Haslingden and Helmshore's soldiers that fell during the Battle Of The Somme

(28th June 2016) Just added two old photos of tramcars in Haslingden Centre near the Commercial.

(21st June 2016) Added a photo of St. Marys 1960-61 Student Photo kindly added by Terry McGuire. Also archived under ST. MARYS

(18th June 2016) Added a photo showing the railway track which led down from the Musbury Heights Quarry over Grane (between the points of Holden Wood Res and Ogden Res). The photo is currently being advertised for auction on the Ebay auction site.

(16th June 2016) Added photo of St. Mary's procession having just left Poplar Street.

(15th June 2016) Added photo of The Royal Visit 1913 taken with a large crowd outside the Church Institute

(8th June 2016) Added four early photos of St. Thomas Musbury Walking Days past kindly contributed by Dave Armstrong and also archived under ST. THOMAS

(8th June 2016) Another great photo of a water trough which is at the back of the old Rossendale General Hospital. Contributed with thanks to Chris Howarth. Also to be archived underTROUGHS AND SPRINGS ETC.

(7th June 2016) A great photo of a water trough from Jacky Barn, Heap Clough kindly contributed by Wadey (Robert Wade) and also archived under TROUGHS AND SPRINGS ETC

(6th June 2016) A photo of old Stonefold

(4th June 2016) added a list of the older pubs of Haslingden kindly contributed by Marie Ives and also archived under PUBS BLOG

(4th June 2016) added a very old 1887 poster for the long gone Trinity Baptist Sabbath School.

(2nd June 2016) Just added a walking day photo for St. Marys (1963) thanks to Steve Rothwell. Photo shows Patricia Donnelly as Rose Queen. Also archived under ST. MARYS

(20th May 2016) Michael Mullaney has contributed a interesting snippet to the ST JOHN AMBULANCE BLOG and scroll to bottom, also I have now added further names offered up. Also I have included a thanks to the contributors to the Blog

(19th May 2016) Added further information to the ST. JOHN AMBULANCE - just click over link and scroll down

(18th May 2016) Added a photo of a leaving presentation at John Warburtons factory. Photo kindly contributed by Keith Gunton.

(18th May 2016) Added a old photo of a presentation at the Box Room, CWS Slipper factory (Britannia Mill). Kindly contributed by Keith Gunton.

(18th May 2016) Added a old photo showing a event in Victoria Park. Kindly contributed by Keith Gunton

(18th May 2016) Added a photo of Warship Week 1942.

(17th May 2016) Adding extracts from the Haslingden Guardian in regards St. Johns Ambulance Brigade and archived ST. JOHNS AMBULANCE

(17th May 2016) War Weapons Week 1942 photo

(16th May 2016) Added further information on Mr. Edward Graham of the St John Ambulance Brigade (one of the pioneers) and can be read clicking over the ST JOHN AMBULANCE

(16th May 2016) A photo of the rear of the old Rossendale General Hospital - The Moorlands Infirmary section.

(15th May 2016) Added a very old photo showing coffin bearers outside of St. Johns Church, Stonefold at Rising Bridge.

(14th May 2016) Added a lovely photo from September 1962 of two groups of children handing over monies they had raised for the disabled to the Mayor and Mayoress Coun and Mrs. Mitchell.

(10th May 2016) Added a photo of the WVS Alluminium Drive from 1943 with their stall outside of 59 Deardengate.

(10th May 2016) Added a unknown photo which could be the Girl Friendly Society or maybe St. Johns - Not known at this time

(9th May 2016) A photo from 1937 showing people fixing their Gas Mask on a Anti Gas Training exercise in Haslingden.

(6th May 2016) Uploaded a newspaper photo of the unveiling of the Michael Davitt Memorial Plaque and also a photo I took of the Memorial back in 2003. Also archived MICHAEL DAVITT 60 YEARS AND 100 YEARS

(4th May 2016) Added photo of Mr. Worsley along with the Haslingden Cricket Club, taken at Carter Place.

(3rd May 2016) Photo added of Haslingden Tradesmen and their Wives, kindly contributed by Joyce Thorne.

(3rd May 2016) Added a newspaper cutting showing the 1924 Haslingden Tradesmen's Cricket Team who were the champions of the Lancashire Wednesday League. Thanks to Joyce Thorne for kindly sending it in.

(2nd May 2016) Four photos of St. Marys Students 1977-1978 kindly contributed by Eddie Wilkinson

(2nd May 2016) Two photos of the Ewood Bridge C.E. School and Sunday School.

(30th April 2016) Uploaded a old photo of Higher Deardengate at the Junction with Manchester Road, all done up with Bunting maybe for the Royal Visit of 1945?

(29th April 2016) Uploaded a old photo showing a parade of Milk Floats outside of the Market Hotel on Marsden Square.

(29th April 2016) AMMENDMENT to title of photo (6th Down on right) should read Nurse Cavell (and not Nurse McVell). The photo shows a procession up Church Street heading towards the Parish Church for her Memorial Service. She was executed in Belgium on the charge of helping Allied soldiers to escape. (Thanks to John Simpson for this additional information)

(28th April 2016) Older Haslingden Blog No.2 which includes Chapel Street and all the areas below Wilkinson Street has now been moved and incorporated into OLDER HASLINGDENwhich can be seen by clicking over the link

(28th April 2016) A fabulous rare photo of a Top O'th Town Event. For me it looks very much like Towngate.

(27th April 2016) Just started off with the Wm Dewhurst and the St. Johns Ambulance Blog. More photos to come later today. ST JOHNS AMBULANCE

(27th April 2016) Just added a nice photo of the St. Johns Ambulance outside the Drill Hall on Lyndale Avenue

(26th April 2016) Uploaded a very old photo of the Mechanics Arms, Helmshore long before all the new properties were built.

(26th April 2016) Uploaded a very old photo of the Nurse McVell ? Memorial Service with the procession heading up Church Street which shows Church Street how it used to be. Also archived under ST. JAMES CHURCH LADS BRIGADE

(25th April 2016) Just uploaded a photo of old Salem Street showing the wedding of Major Halstead's daughter with Mr. Watson.

(24th April 2016) Just uploaded a photo of a Carter Place garden party, also archived CARTER PLACE

(23rd April 2016) Just uploaded a photo showing the opening of the New Ambulance Drill Hall on Lyndale Avenue.

(13th April 2016) Just added a photo of the Commercial Mill outing thanks to John Bedford.

(13th April 2016) Another photo of Duckworth Clough Mill workers, thanks to John Bedford and also now archived underDUCKWORTH CLOUGH

(12th April 2016) Another photo of Duckworth Clough Mill workers. Thanks to John Bedford and also now archived underDUCKWORTH CLOUGH

(12th April 2016) A fabulous postcard of Haslingden from 1915 showing St. Stephens in situ and also a well detailed Railway Station etc. Also the sender was from Chadwick Fold, Dog Kennel Road - thanks to John Bedford.

(12th April 2016) Another photo of Haslingden St. Marys Cricket Club Champions. Thanks to John Bedford

(12th April 2016) A tackler at Commercial Mill - photo thanks to John Bedford.

(12th April 2016) Just added a old photo of a group of workers sat on the steps of the office of Duckworth Clough Mill. Thanks to John Bedford. Also archived under DUCKWORTH CLOUGH

(11th April 2016) Just added a fabulous snippet of information from Derek Whittaker, of when they used to play in the Top O'th Slate Caves.

(11th April 2016) Another great early 1921 St. Marys Student photo kindly contributed by John Bedford.

(11th April 2016) Just uploaded a old postcard showing Helmshore British Legion Club and adjoining cottages, thanks to John Bedford.

(11th April 2016) Photo uploaded showing ladies with White headbands for some function at St. Mary's. Photo kindly contributed by John Bedford

(11th April 2016) Two bookmarks one for St. Marys Sale of Work and one for the Great War. Thanks to John Bedford. St. Marys

(11th April 2016) Just uploaded a photo from St. Mary's - Old Woman who lived in a shoe - Thanks to John Bedford

(11th April 2016) Just uploaded a photo of a presentation held at the old Duckworth Clough Mill. Photo kindly contributed by John Bedford. DUCKWORTH CLOUGH MILL

(11th April 2016) A old photo showing how the Haslingden Bowling Club used to look. thanks to John Bedford.

(11th April 2016) Added a photo of Bette Jo Scott and the Riley Family at the IDL Club thanks to John Bedford also archived under ROBERT SCOTT VC

(10th April 2016) Added a early 50s St. James Students photo kindly contributed by Alec Taylor. (ST.JAMES)

(10th April 2016) Added another photo of St Mary's for the Carnival 1950 outside of the Public Hall. Kindly contributed by John Bedford

(10th April 2016) Added a photo of St. Marys parade for the Carnival 1950, just passing the old Greenwoods Shop. Kindly contributed by John Bedford

(10th April 2016) Added notice for Chris Aspin's new booklet

(10th April 2016) AMMENDMENT: The photo showing the group of children behind Towngate and at the bottom of the steps should read: Thomas Riley, Mary Riley, William Riley and front was Janie Riley and Margaret Riley - Ammendment now corrected

(9th April 2016) Just added a Haslingden Legion party on Trip to York. Photo thanks to John Bedford.

(9th April 2016) Just added another early 1900's St. Mary's Student photo thanks to John Bedford

(9th April 2016) Thanks to Kathleen and the History Group at St. Thomas Musbury - Always a enjoyable evening with a nice crowd...

(9th April 2016) Just occasionally I will put the odd snippet of information from the past taken from the original HASLINGDEN book by Chris Aspin. Today I have started the ball rolling with the TEETOTALLERS CHEAP TRIP...

(9th April 2016) added a fabulous photo showing a group of friends at the back of Towngate, thanks to John Bedford.

(9th April 2016) added a fabulous photo showing a young John Bedford stood on the old Towngate at the top of the Town.

(9th April 2016) added photos of the St. Marys CC Champions Gold Medals for 1928 and 1929

(8th April 2016) added a photo of the interior of St. Stephens Church, Grane thanks to Alec Taylor (ST STEPHENS)

(8th April 2016) added St. Mary's Student photo from 1921 thanks to John Bedford

(8th April 2016) added St. Marys Cricket Team Cup Winners Photo thanks to John Bedford

(27th March 2016) Robert (Wadey) has kindly just sent in some more photos of Chapel St how it is now (manage to get them with the sun shining!! thanks Robert for the extra mile.....

(27th March 2016) A few tweaks with the new blog, with alterations in route etc and moving about of photos. Getting there slowly - still lots to come.

(27th March 2016) Just added four photos kindly sent in by Heather Holden showing Chapel Street, Hargreaves Street Mill and Sheep Green taken from the Rakefoot area in the 1970s.

(27th March 2016) Just added a photo of the Waterfoot CP School. I think this will relate to the Haslingden -Waterfoot

(26th March 2016) Just uploaded a very old Haslingden Corporation Bus Photo.

(25th March 2016) Just added more photos to the new blog showing the back of the Public Hall, Hartley Street and Lovers Lane - thanks to Chris Kirby.

(25th March 2016) Added a request for photos of Older Haslingden to fill in some of the gaps around the Lower Wilkinson Street areas to try and get a more "virtual photo" layout..

(23rd March 2016) Just added 5 photos to the Blog kindly contributed by Elaine Pollard.

(23rd March 2016) Just added a photo of the Haslingden Co-operative Guild Outing.

(21st March 2016) Michael Gibson has kindly sent in 8 photos of Hazel Mill, with some of the photos from 1974 prior to part demolition and the same site photos taken last week to show a before and after.

(20th March 2016) Just uploaded a very old photo which shows the Martins Bank at the bottom of Regent Street and some sort of procession led by the Mayor.

(19th March 2016) Shortly I am going to start a new blog hopefully showing the old buildings which were on Chapel Street, Back Pickering, Pickering, George and Hargreaves Street if anyone call help with old photos or tales etc please do get in touch. This eventually will be tagged on to the alreadyOLDER HASLINGDEN BLOG , thank you.

(19th March 2016) Just added some great memories from John Appleby whos father ran the Crumpet Shop on Manchester Road. SEE PHOTOS -SNIPPETS ETC.

(19th March 2016) Just added a nice old photo of New Jerusalem Church from the 1920s.

(18th March 2016) Just added another great photo of a historic well at Calf Hey thanks to Robert Wade (Wadey) Please click over this HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS and then scroll down to Calf Hey No.2

(18th March 2016) Just added a photo from Trinity Baptist

(17th March 2016) Just added a superb photo showing the Pickering Street to King Street Alleyway. Thanks to Barbara Greenwood. Also added a small section of a old Map kindly supplied by Jackie. To check out the photo and map click here and scroll down.

(17th March 2016) Just added a old photo showing Painters and Decorators of R. Whittaker of Rudd Street.

(16th March 2016) Just added a photo of the Childrens Ball from 1963.

(15th March 2016) Just added a photo of "Vaccary Walling"opposite York Avenue - Photo kindly contributed by Robert Wade (Wadey)

(15th March 2016) Just added photo of Ogden Reservoir showing Tenements down on Holden Wood.

(13th March 2016) Added photo of Acre by Winfields flooded thanks to Terry McGuire. Also added three new photos showing ginnels on Back Wilkinson St, Back Pleasant St and King Street thanks to Michael Mullaney.

(13th March 2016) So much information is coming through about GINNELS, ALLEYWAYS AND SNICKETS that I have started a new blog in its own right called GINNELS of course.

(13th March 2016) Michael Mullaney wants to know if there are anymore "water fountains" besides the ones on Haslingden Library and the one in Victoria Park. I will also archive at the end of the HISTORIC WATER TROUGHS AND SPRING FED WELLS ETC

(13th March 2016) Michael Mullaney made a comment about large flagstone which used to be outside of the Ebenezer Church.

(12th March 2016) Does anyone know anything about the large stone flag at the bottom of the Library steps. Or do you know of a larger size flat flagstone anywhere else?

(12th March 2016) Just added a further four "sayings" to theHASLINGDEN DICTIONARY thanks to Jean Tomlinson and Michael Mullaney

(12th March 2016) Sam Stott has kindly commented with further information on the properties that lie below the Park Hotel in the recent photo.

(11th March 2016) added a old photo showing the old Park Hotel and properies below at the place where the motorway bridge at Flaxmoss stands.

(11th March 2016) added a old photo of St. Thomas Musbury showing some very old stone slab walling at the area opposite St. Veronicas.

(11th March 2016) added a list of GINNELS in the new Blog. Click link and scroll.

(11th March 2016) Just added and archived a photo of St. Marys RC Peace Procession on Sept 6th 1919 walking out Blackburn Road Near Vale Street and just under Maudlin Bank. Check photos to the right or click on the St. Marys Blog and scroll to bottom.

(10th March 2016) Just added Coronation Medal presented to Mayor Ald Henry Worsley 1909 to 1911 and now owned by his Great Grandson David Worsley. MEMORABILIA BLOG and scroll down and its just under initial Civic memorabilia

(10th March 2016) Just added a very old photo of a local army band.

(9th March 2016) Just added a further photo of Nurse Annie Knowles on her daily visits. Check across in photos or go to MAYORS BLOG as shown below.

(9th March 2016) Added a lovely snippet of information sent in by Heather Holden quoting experiences and friendship given by Nurse Knowles who received the Freedom of the Borough. Check in Photos across and scroll down or check the MAYORS BLOG by clicking here and scroll down to bottom.

(8th March 2016) Just added a short snippet from Derek Whittaker about Shrove Tuesday shenanigans "putting senapods in the tea" Check further by click APPRENTICE INITIATIONS and scrolling down.

(8th March 2016) Just added two You Tube links for 1981 Helmshore Mod Band called THE VALIANTS which can be seen from the MUSIC FROM HAZELDENE BLOG then scroll down. Also a great photo of the band shown on the 2nd You Tube video.

(8th March 2016) Postcard of various sites in Haslingden kindly contributed by Elaine Pollard.

(8th March 2016) Just added a photo of tram just before entering Rising Bridge. Kindly contributed by Elaine Pollard.

(8th March 2016) Just added a Haslingden St. James C of E photo kindly contributed by Clive Knight.

(8th March 2016) Just added old 1930s photo of Park Mill Football Club.

(3rd March 2016) Just added a few more MEMORABILIAitems to the new blog.

(3rd March 2016) Just added a very old photo of the Haslingden Technical School on Bury Road (Old Grammar School). Looks like there on their way to play cricket!

(2nd March 2016) A snippet from John R. Edwards below the photo opposite of the Loom Overlookers Association.

(2nd March 2016) Just added three beautiful Haslingden Medallions which I have now added to the MEMORABILIA BLOG

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(2nd March 2016) Ron Baron has kindly contributed a new to us photo of St. Marys School from 1950s.

(2nd March 2016) Postcard showing Deardengate with Market Stalls being set up also Billiard Hall on right.

(1st March 2016) Just added some really interesting information kindly contributed by Michael Mullaney about the collection of rainwater on the old long gone properties of Back Hindle Street. Click on the HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS ETC blog and scroll part way down.

(1st March 2016) Just added two great photos from Ron Baron

(1st March 2016) Just added a nice photo sent in by Anthony Curtis of the Haslingden Power Loom Overlookers Society retirement presentation to Mr. J.E. Porter

(1st March 2016) Just added a very old policy to cover the Plate Glass Windows on No. 40 Blackburn Road. Kindly contributed by Clifford Hargreaves.

(1st March 2016) Added another five memorabilia items to the new blog. MEMORABILIA BLOG

(1st March 2016) Added a very old Haslingden Council School Photo.

(29th February 2016) Added a further 21 items to the new blog with lots lots more to follow. Check out at: MEMORABILIA BLOG

(28th February 2016) Have added further memorabilia to the New Blog. Still over 100 plus items to add over the coming days. It takes time to research and copy over the text part of the items but I am getting there. Please click here.

(27th February 2016) Just added a link to Thomas Newbiggings "History of the Forest of Rossendale" which can be seen by clicking here.

(27th February 2016) Added a scan of a Gold Medal awarded to Tommy Britland for being one of the team of the Haslingden Primitive Methodist Football Club who were the league champion winners of the Hirst Cup in 1922-23 season - thanks to Ian Warburton.

(26th February 2016) Just added a scan kindly sent in by Marie Ives, showing a stamp in the frontispiece showing Haslingden Workmens Club who in years past must have had their own Library Section. Also be archived under Haslingden Workingmens Club.

(26th February 2016) Just added email from Mike Hogan (ex Pat South of France) suggesting we have a blog about the regional Haslingden Names origins.

(25th February 2016) Just added two photos showing the old road from Haslingden to Bolton via Bentley House (Whiskey House) at Grane. Also the pillar with the engraving TO BOLTON.

(25th February 2016) Just added a old photo from the Haslingden St. Johns Ambulance archive.

(24th February 2016) Added photo and info on the St. James Church Lads Brigade confirming the cease date which was 1996. Thanks for information from Jim Camm and other information and photo from John R. Edwards.

(24th February 2016) Added a old photo of St. Peters Whitsuntide procession on Bury Road. Also archived to Blog atST. PETERS

(23rd February 2016) Bill King has sent in more names for the 1962 HGS Students to include: Frank Hindle, Christine Nuttall, Christine Hayhurst, Sheila Nuttall, Paul Fronapfel, Paul Schofield, Lesley Barcroft, Sherri Holden, Joyce McFarland, Marjorie Easton, David Heaton etc. HASLINGDEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND SCROLL DOWN TO 1962

(23rd February 2016) Added a request for information in regards to the St. James Church Lads Brigade for information on a cease date. Also included two local Boys Brigade photos.

(22nd February 2016) Just added two very special photos of War Graves of photos kindly sent in to us from Colin Thompson (Bermuda).

(21st February 2016) Just uploaded a old postcard of Higher Deardengate.

(21st February 2016) Just added info and a photo of another well to the blog at junction of Kirk Hill Road with Oakenhead Wood Road, thanks to John R. Edwards. Click here and scroll down HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS AND WATERCOURSES

(21st February 2016) Just uploaded a old St. Johns Ambulance photo.

(20th February 2016) Just added Memories of Swinnel Brook from John McGuire. Also added Memories of the Moorhouse family from Harold Stott.

(20th February 2016) Just added a photo of Blackburn Road below St. James Churchyard.

(19th February 2016) Just added a link at the very end of theSWINNEL BROOK blog to incorporate the new HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS AND SECONDARY WATERCOURSES.

(19th February 2016) Just added a old photo of the Haslingden Primitive Methodist Football Club - League Champion Winners of the Hirst Cup 1922 and 1923 season.

(15th February 2016) Just included notes from a old newspaper titled "Vicarage will disappear Soon", also a photo of the Curates old house "Clifton House". Thanks to Jackie for these notes which can be viewed by clicking here and scroll down midway.

(14th February 2016) Uploaded a very old photo which I think is the Haslingden St. James Church Lads Brigade.

(14th February 2016) Now added link to all photos for the 1894 Bazaar Bedspread/Quilt.

(13th February 2016) Added some photos of a quilt/bedspread from back in 1894 which must have been done for the Haslingden Schools Bazaar and it has lots of names embroidered. Most of the names have now been deciphered. Thanks to Susan Layton-O'Sullivan for sending this.

(30th January 2016) Just added a couple more photos I have just found which I took back in 2003 showing the Duckworth Clough Brook within the lower forestry together with one showing one of the "spouts of water" near Anthony Barn.HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS

(30th January 2016) Just added a photo with overlay markings showing the watercourses off Haslingden Moor via Coldwells and via the Waterfalls. HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS

(29th January 2016) Just added a very old postcard of the brook which passes Martin Croft Farm.

(29th January 2016) Just added interesting snippet from David Cardwell in connection to the main feed which went to the Brewery and also into Spring Lane. Also I am about to add information about a spring on Top O'th Slate, also added Tapstone House, Higher Hud Hey Spring and Martin Croft farm Spring HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS.

(28th January 2016) Changed the name of the current blog to now read as: Historic Water Troughs, Spring Fed Wells and some of the Watercourses of Haslingden and Helmshore.(HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS)

(28th January 2016) Just added a very old school photo.

(28th January 2016) Just added photos of troughs at Three Lane Ends and Near Windy Harbour, thanks to Brian Smith/Jackie Ramsbottom. HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS.

(28th January 2016) Just added two photos kindly sent in by Bill King of a school trip to Coventry Cathedral June/July 1963.

(28th January 2016) Just added information on JINKY BROOK, WOODNOOK, WATERFALLS, COLDWELLS, secondary water courses and also info and a photo on STONEY RAKE (GRANE) Spring. Check out HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS and scroll down.

(28th January 2016) Just added a very old photograph of a garden party at Carter Place Hall.

(27th January 2016) I have just included my account of the origins of the "Duckworth Clough Brook". Please check out notes and photos at the following blog and scroll down.HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS

(27th January 2016) Added a sunset over Birch Avenue from 2003

(26th January 2016) Added a very old water board map showing the areas of GRANE click over link to enlarge

(26th January 2016) Added a old photo of Chapel Street Football Club 1913-1914.

(25th January 2016) Jean Tomlinson sent in a photo of her mum Sarah Wren from a Walking Day in 1925/1926

(25th January 2016) Thanks to Alan Saunders for bringing a error to my attention eg: One of the photos for the HGS Students was showing the date as 1962 when it should have been dated 1965 - Sheet 1 only all others correct (now corrected) also thanks to Alan for coming up with another missing four names for the 1962 sheet 7 2nd row and 4th row.Click here and scroll down to 1962

(25th January 2016) Just added four great photos of St. Marys, trips to Blackpool, Alladin pantomime and Rose Queen photo kindly sent in by Maureen Whitehead (nee Mead) ex pat Kuala Lumpur. Maureen has also left some great feedback which I have now recorded within the feedback section below.

(25th January 2016) Added a snippet about "Spout House"

(24th January 2016) Added a photo of Spout House which I took way back in 2003 DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW IT GOT ITS NAME SPOUT HOUSE and how long has it been called that?

(21st January 2016) added two photos of the 1919 Peace Celebrations held at Marsden Square.

(20th January 2016) Just added two more Spring and well photos - Underbank (Hutch Bank) and Springside. HISTORIC TROUGHS AND WELLS. I forgot I had these old photos in the archive. I have more of wells but just cannot at the moment lay my hands on them, I hope they are on some of my USB drives..

(18th January 2016) The Kirkhill Toll Bar House has a nearby Well. Thanks to Marie Ives for informing me of this.

(18th January 2016) A photo I took back in 2003 showing part of the Longshoot estate with a view down towards Manchester.

(18th January 2016) Just added a photo of the old well on Back Laneside (Sizehouse) thanks to Robert Wade (Wadey). Also added Springside to the blog with relevant information kindly supplied by Joyce Thorne. HISTORIC WATER TROUGHS

(18th January 2016) Just added a old photograph of procession on Blackburn Road before the Lychgate or Margerisons had been built.

(17th January 2016) Just added a photo of St. Marys Morris Dancers from c1966. Kindly contributed from Eileen Webster.

(16th January 2016) Just added a further two photos of wells in the Sherfin, Mangholes and Maiden Street areas thanks to Annie Taylor (Acre) and also further information on Spring Lane Well from both John McGuire (ex pat Australia) and Joyce Thorne.

(15th January 2016) Just added HENHEADS to theINTERESTING NAMES BLOG and also thanks to Chris Kirby for contributing two photos of DONKEY ROW from his late dad's archive.

(15th January 2016) Michael Mullaney has contributed some great information about the Trough on Back Lane (Near to Size House Village. Did you know there was a small stream nearby called "Jinky Brook".

(14th January 2016) Did you know that Manchester Road was originally called Albert Street. Also added Ranters Row, Havelock Terrace and Free Trade Place in Carrs toINTERESTING NAMES.

(14th January 2016) Request for any information in preparation of a new blog to be called Historic Water Troughs and Spring Fed Wells of Haslingden and Helmshore.

(14th January 2016) Just added a lovely old photograph of Tanpits, Helmshore.

(13th January 2016) Just added a snippet from John McGuire (ex pat Australia) on the area of Henheads (Stonefold, Sherfin etc).

(13th January 2016) Interesting local place names given by Geoff Heap. Some of these refer to Haslingden and some of the names also refer to other parts within Rossendale.

(13th January 2016) Interesting information about Dog Kennel Road given by Annie Taylor.

(11th January 2016) Just added snippet from Derek Whittaker regarding the Monkey Hole and the collecting of urine from the local residents for the use in industry. Also added this information to the new blog "Interesting Names".

(10th January 2016) Just added a photo of Vale Street Steps which was also close to the area of "Skinners Row" for the"Interesting Names Blog"

(10th January 2016) Added "Skinners Row and Tanpits" to the recent "Interesting Names Blog" thanks to John Megan Edwards. Also added "Sandpits" which nowadays has the Fire Station and Police Station built on it. Click here and scroll down.

(10th January 2016) Added a notice called "Interpreting Acre" a list of upcoming events organized by the "Friends of Acre Village".

(10th January 2016) Added a photo of the Haslingden Home Guard from my collection.

(9th January 2016) Just added a photo of Haslingden Home Guard date ? currently being offered for auction on Ebay

(9th January 2016) Just added "Tommy Nook", "Tanpits" and "Robbers Row" to the new "Interesting Names Blog". Please click here.

(8th January 2016) Just added some fabulous information on Dog Kennel Road which is now added to the "Interesting Names" Blog

(7th January 2016) Lots of great information supplied by Brian Uren about the Property at Clough End Road/Duckworth Clough for Kristy Burbidge enquiry.

(7th January 2016) CAN YOU ALSO HELP Kristy Burbidge with historical knowledge of the area of Clough End which adjoins the more recent buildings which have been erected in the boundaries of the old Duckworth Clough Mill. Please let me know if you can help.

(7th January 2016) CAN YOU HELP PLEASE? Do you have any idea where Parson's Buildings was in Haslingden during 1895. If you think you can help please let me know, thanks.

(7th January 2016) I have now included a St. Mary's 1927 Student photo kindly contributed by Eileen Webster. I have also included this within the St. Marys Blog as well.

(7th January 2016) A Notice request from the Friends of Acre Village inviting to a "Memories of Acre Tea Party" included

(1st January 2016) Just included information kindly offered from Barbara Hendry regarding both "Salt Pie Steps" and also the explanation of why the area was called "The Loose Pulley". Please go to your right and scroll down a little to the snippets on INTERESTING NAMES ETC...

(1st January 2016) Small alterations and additions etc to the Blackburn Road Shops Blog.

(31st December 2015) Ron Baron kindly contributed two photos one of Haslingden St. Marys from around 1952 and another of a local Haslingden team which features his brother Thomas plus other names kindly added by Marie Ives.

(30th December 2015) Added a historic postcard wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

(29th December 2015) Memories added by Alan Haworth of his dad being the bailiff and fish stocking at Grane Reservoir and his work in the local parks.

(29th December 2015) Added 3 photos I took back in 2003/2004 - one of Wedge Row, one of Virgins Row and the sign indicating SNIG HOLE.

(26th December 2015) Just added a very old photo of near Wesleyan Chapel, Rising Bridge across from Hollands Pies c1907

(24th December 2015) Just added a very old photo of St. James Church with the silhouette outline of a Angel (tombstone).

(23rd December 2015) Just added a photo of "dancing around the Maypole" probably Store Street!

(22nd December 2015) Just added a photo of Poplar Street.

(21st December 2015) Just added a photo showing WW1 soldiers being led by a Military Band whilst going along Bury Road by the shops.

(20th December 2015) Just added four photos:One showing the old Wesley Church and houses nearby, One showing the Wesley Walking day going past the long gone "Paradise Terrace" and another one showing the old Haslingden family "Dearden" residence which was at 41 Hud Hey Road just before being demolished for the current by-pass together with another photo showing the full row of houses. All four photos kindly contributed by Joyce Thorne.

(20th December 2015) Just added a photo of Carter Place Hall Garden Party.

(19th December 2015) Just added a Haslingden Cricket Club presentation photo from 1976.

(18th December 2015) Just added a photo I took on 21st September 2008 showing a sunrise over the Mast on Cribden side.

(18th December 2015) Added some lovely memories of "Kite Hill" up Slate from Marie Ives, will also add to the Top O th Slate blog shortly.

(18th December 2015) Just uploaded a photo of Duckworth Clough Farm and Greenhouses Farm taken in 2004

(18th December 2015) Just added two photos of the Ewood Bridge National School - Sunday School pre 1903. Also the School pre fire and showing rebuild after the fire. Also added a photo of Haslingden's John Cockerill's Munitions factory in Belgium.

(15th December 2015) Just added some snippets from Myra Frohnapfel and also from Michael Mullaney about people they recognize in the Clifford Hargreaves IOM holiday photo.

(14th December 2015) Just added three photos to the blog. 2 of the photos are Haslingden County Primary School Students photos for 1954/1955 and 1956/1957 approx kindly sent in by Bill King and also a Haslingden party on a Trip to Isle of Man just after the War. This photo kindly sent in by Clifford Hargreaves.

(14th December 2015) Just added one of my own photos showing Brittania Mill and Martincroft Farm, Coldwells etc.

(14th December 2015) Just added two photos from Carr Parkers Coronation Toppers. One taken near Old Grammar School.

(13th December 2015) Just added a new photo of the Haslingden County Primary School Students kindly contributed by Derek Haworth.

(13th December 2015) Update to photo which was stating Haslingden Towns Women Guild (featured right) should read Mothers Union St Stephens. Thanks to Pauline Emmett Dagg for correction and also for adding several names to the photo.

(12th December 2015) Just uploaded a lovely student photo of Haslingden County Primary c1953 kindly contributed by Derek Haworth.

(12th December 2015) Carrs comparison photos added

(12th December 2015) Just added a photo from John McGuire showing a Haslingden party outside of the guest house from 1950

(12th December 2015) Just added a snippet from Derek Haworth about Laund Hey and Top'oth Slate re firing range and as kids finding gas mask etc.

(11th December 2015) Just added two photos kindly contributed by Derek Haworth. One shows the Has Sec Modern School Cricket Team c1962 and one shows the Pupils of Haslingden County Primary School 1958.

(11th December 2015) Bill King has kindly sent in a photo showing a lady who he is trying to find out who it is. Can you help please.

(11th December 2015) Just added a very old postcard of Haslingden Road End - note the amount of properties at this side of the Woolpack.

(11th December 2015) Just added two photos being sold on ebay. One showing St. Marys RC Peace Procession on Blackburn Road and the other showing Musbury School Carnival.

(1st December 2015) Five new photos added to the blog this morning thanks to Joyce Thorne, Marjorie Corbridge and Myra Frohnapfel. Depicts Ballet Class, Panto, St James Football, Panto Ali Baba, Line drawing of the Top Church, Inside view of St. James.

(1st December 2015) Photo Album No.3 is now closed for 2015 and Photo Album No. 4 Starts off today. 3 can still be accessed from the left pane

(1st December 2015) Most of the Grane Villa Football Club players in the photographs have been named thanks to Martin Molloy and Tommy Egan. Scroll down to check out the photos etc.

(30th November 2015) Uploaded "Tackler at Work" photo

(29th November 2015) Just uploaded 13 photos to the blog thanks to Marjorie Corbridge/Myra Frohnapfel. St. James Walking days, Grane Villa FC, St. James Pantos, St James Students photo, Musbury Cricket Team, Hollands Pies etc.

(27th November 2015) Just added some notes on the Haslingden Public Baths (taken from the Jubilee Souvenir Handbook c1951 thanks to Myra Frohnapfel)

(27th November 2015) Just added a new blog called "Haslingden and District Snooker League" together with kind contributions from Geoffrey Heap. Click here to check out blog

(27th November 2015) Just added a You Tube link to "Cissie Greens Pies" below under - HASLINGDEN ON FILM scroll directly beneath here - lots of other interesting stuff on film as well.....

(26th November 2015) Just added two new photos to the St. Stephens blog both showing the sign and a stone cross depicting the very spot where the Church was originally built.Click here

(25th November 2015) Just added a new photo thanks to John Bedford of boys playing cricket on the stone cobbles of Lower Lane.

(25th November 2015) Just added a "brief history" of St. Stephens Grane which has been reproduced from a document called "a brief history) Check out by clicking here

(25th November 2015) Just added six fabulous photos to the blog thanks to Marjorie Corbridge/Myra Frohnapfel. Haslingden Youth Club, St. Thomas and St. Stephens.

(24th November 2015) Just added a photo of St. Thomas Musbry Cubs and Brownies.

(24th November 2015) Just added notes kindly supplied by Heather Holden in relation to the Blackburn Road houses and also the Hen Pens, Rear of Spring Street and Flaxmoss Street. Just scroll down from top.

(23rd November 2015) Just added a further three photos thanks to Heather Holden. Showing old Blackburn Rd area near Station Steps and also the Spring Street Lower lane areas.

(23rd November 2015) Started off new blog for St. Peter's Laneside with photos of Choir, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Walking day photos etc.

(23rd November 2015) Just added a further four photos thanks to Geoff Heap. With 3 photos of the HCP School Nursery Class and one for the St Peters Walking Day c1957.

(22nd November 2015-1930hrs) Just added a further five photos thanks to Geoff Heap. With St Peters, Cubs, Guides and Brownies, Walking Days and Scouts Camp. Please also check again tomorrow for more of Geoffs photos.

(22nd November 2015-1128hrs) Just added a further four photos thanks to Geoff Heap. With 2 of the County Primary School and 2 from St. Peters. Please also check again soon for more of Geoff's photos later

(22nd November 2015-0500hrs) Just added a further six photos thanks to Geoff Heap. With 5 of Haslingden County Primary School students early 1950s and one of Haslingden Modern School late 40s.

(21st November 2015-0500hrs) Just added a further photo thanks to Marjorie Corbridge/Myra Frohnapfel of St. James 1966 Rose Queen.

(19th November 2015 - 0327hrs) Just added a further 3 photos thanks to Joyce Thorne. One of Martin Croft from Hud Hey, and 2 of a group of persons rear of what was Spring Street and Hud Rake.

(18th November 2015 - 0800hrs) Just added a further 2 photos thanks to Marjorie Corbridge/Myra Frohnapfel - one of Calf Hey House and one of the Ogden Reservoir.

(17th November 2015 - 0700hrs) Just added a further 4 photos to the blog thanks to Andy Metcalfe - 1912 Helmshore Infants, Cricket Team winners photo, Has Sec Modern school 1948, North Hag Tunnel and railway before by pass construction

(16th November 2015 - 1000hrs) Just added a further 3 new photos to the blog thanks to Joyce Thorne - Wesley (with Bensons and Cliffords Shop in background) St James Church Lads Brigade, Stonefold crowning of rosequeen - Hilda Stanton.

(13th November 2015 - 1241hrs) Just uploaded a further four photos thanks to Andy Metcalfe. One of St. Thomas Walking Day c1948 and three various of Haslingden Secondary Modern School.

(13th November 2015 - 0755hrs) Two photos added thanks to Andy Metcalfe. One showing St,. Thomas Musbury 1957, one showing walking day 1957 and one showing 1948 students of Haslingden Secondary Modern School.

(13th November 2015) Two photos added thanks to Andy Metcalfe. One showing the Rose Queen from St. James whilst visiting St. Stephens and another one showing Porritts and Spencers Sunnybank Mill in the 1930s.

(12th November 2015) Added photos and snippets from the archive of the late "Alf Bedford of Helmshore" kindly sent in by his Great Grandson Andy Metcalfe

(12th November 2015) Just added a photo of St James C of E School for around the 1953 ish period thanks to Hadian Gates, also just added a 1951 St Thomas, Musbury photo thanks to Andy Metcalfe

(10th November 2015) Just added old 1905 political address for William Henry Kemp. Leaflet kindly contributed by Jane Siddall.

(6th November 2015) Just added 4 Rose Queen photos (St Thomas Musbury) and also two Helmshore County Primary School Photos thanks to Dave Wise, and also added approx 1960 St. Johns Stonefold School photo kindly send in by Susan Wallace.

(29th October 2015) Just added Allotments Society photo etc into their own blog now attached below the Wheelers Club blog for a temporary home and maybe to include other Societies (non political) for the time being.

(29th October 2015) Elizabeth Smethurst has kindly offered several names for the "Allotments Photo" uploaded recently.

(28th October 2015) Just added 13 St. Marys photos to the blog thanks to Michael Lyons. Also a big thanks to Jackie for kindly for scanning and resizing the photos etc.

(28th October 2015) Just added two photos showing the Mums and Babies who attended the old Haslingden Clinic (Old Manchester Rd Meth Schoolroom) which was then positioned where the Health Centre is today. Thanks to Marie Ives for both photos.

(28th October 2015) Just added Helmshore County Primary School 1967 photo thanks to John Pilling.

(27th October 2015) Just added 4 photos and a Ball Programme cover, thanks to Dave Wise.

(25th October 2015) Thanks to Jane Siddall for kindly sharing with us a poem written in 1894 by a Haslingden soldier serving out in Africa, Jonathan Lambert.

(25th October 2015) Thanks to Jane Siddall for contributing a further five "Unidentified photos" which have now been uploaded to the blog.

(24th October 2015) Thanks to Andy Metcalfe for kindly contributing the 1975 Haslingden Grammar School Student photo. Please click over individual photos to enlarge. Andy has some more stuff coming our way soon....

(23rd October 2015) Just added six By-Pass construction photos from 1979 at the area Grane Road/Waterside/ Hutch Bank

(22nd October 2015) New Blog called Haslingden Municipal Diary 1907.....

(22nd October 2015) Just added a further fourteen photos to the blog covering: Helmshore Primary Students, Haslingden Modern School Students, St. Johns Stonefold Students, St. Johns Ambulance etc etc

(21st October 2015) Just added another three photos to the blog. 1 from St. James Panto and two from Helmshore County Primary School.

(18th October 2015) Steve Walsh has kindly named himself on the Baxenden St. Johns Cubs photo. He has also sent in a very old photo (1901) of Baxenden St. Johns School which shows his grandmother.

(18th October 2015) Steve Rothwell has kindly sent in the Obituary from his predecessor Mr. Wallwork Rothwell who was the Landlord of the Red Lion etc.

(16th October 2015) Michael Mullaney has been able to identify and name No.42 on the I.D.L. Club Great War photo who is John Thomas Mullaney. So we have now managed to fill in two of the missing names. Can you manage to name any of the others.

(14th October 2015) Just added three photos from the Haslingden Carnival (early 50s) photos kindly contributed by Dorothy Hargreaves..

(11th October 2015) PLEASE NOTE IT IS THE ANNUAL HASLINGDEN ST. MARYS STUDENT RE-UNION THIS THURSDAY (15th October) AT THE I.D.L. CLUB ON GEORGE STREET, COMMENCE AT 7.30PM - EVERYONE WELCOME.

(5th October 2015) Just added a further two photos kindly sent in by Tony Winstanley (via Dave Haworth), of Grane Mill Workers.

(5th October 2015) Just added a further nine photos of St. James Pantomime, David Pickard - Haslingden Tar Boiler Man for the Corporation, A Civic reception photo with connections to Ireland (details wanted!) St. James Walking Day, CLB

(3rd October 2015) Florence Walsh has kindly identified one of the missing names in the Haslingden Secondary Modern School Football photo (with Mr. Colbourne) and he is Richard Kay who is next to Robert Parkinson on the right of the back row.

(30th September 2015) Ann Regan is looking for photos and other information on a performance given by the Arts Club in 1964 called "Macbeth". Please let us know if you can help.

(27th September 2015) Joan Harrison (nee Tomlinson) is wondering if it is her dad in the photograph, can anyone help here please.

(24th September 2015) Just uploaded two more Student photos for the St. Johns Stonefold school thanks to Marie Ives and also to Dorothy Hargreaves.

(24th September 2015) Another five photos have been added to the "unidentified" blog - check by clicking here and scrolling down.

(24th September 2015) Susan Whittaker has kindly contributed six old photos which are St. James's Church related.

(23rd September 2015) Steve Clark has kindly contributed two photos of the Amateur Dramatics of St. James's Church from the 1930 period.

(23rd September 2015) We have just started a new Blog called UNIDENTIFIED Hazeldeners - which is a blog of old postcards who we don't know who the persons are - CAN YOU THROW ANY LIGHT ON WHO THEY ARE. The photos may be repatriated

(22nd September 2015) Just added a further 16 of Jennifer Shilliday's photos from the Haslingden Memories Exhibition -Click here to check out

(22nd September 2015) Jane Siddall has kindly contributed a large bag of photos which will go on the blog soon, but for now we have this superb old photo depicting what looks like a Harvest Festival Service. Can anyone recognize it or the vicar or maybe a relative. Let us know if you do.

(21st September 2015) Kaye Ridings has kindly contributed a photo of the Haslingden Wheelers Club which is now included in the Haslingden Wheelers Club Blog

(21st September 2015) Just added some contributions kindly sent in by Marie Ives, a fabulous Haslingden Banjo Band and also two great "Annual Ball" programmes, one from the FLANNEL BALL and one from the HASLINGDEN WHEELERS AND MOTOR CYCLE CLUB ANNUAL BALL.

(13th September 2015) Just added information about the Black Pudding Band (Haslingden Grane) sent in by Dave Middlehurst, Chorley and can be seen by clicking here to the "Music from Hazeldene" Blog and scroll down to Religious and Popular Music prior to 1903.

(9th September 2015) Myra Frohnapfel has kindly sent in another 3 photos of St. Marys Morris Dancers and also St. James Rose Queen.

(7th September 2015) Grane Mill Engine House "Open Day" this Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th September 2015. Open 11am to 4pm on both days.

(7th September 2015) Tony Brierley has put a notice on the blog for "request of interest" in connection with a planned HGS 1965/66 Grand Re-Union of Students. Anyone interested should please contact Tony on tonybrierley24@msn.com

(6th September 2015) Myra has kindly sent in another two photos, this time of the St. Mary's Morris Dancers Group from the early 60s. The photos are in the photo album and will also be shortly included in the St. Marys photos.

(5th September 2015) Keith Gunton has kindly provided a super photo of dancers at the Tankards, doing a routine dance to Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

(4th September 2015) Stephen Clark has kindly sent in a 1961 St James School student photo and also a St. James Football Club photo.

(4th September 2015) Added a student photo from 1959 from Haslingden County Primary School. Thanks to Keith Gunton

(4th September 2015) Added a "disco" section in the Music from Hazeldene Blog. Lots of great cards and photos sent in by Keith Gunton.

(3rd September 2015) Florence Walsh (nee Clough) has kindly shared a photo from the 1963 Liberal Ball showing members of the Helmshore Methodist contingent.

(2nd September 2015) Myra Frohnapfel has kindly shared with us another seven photos of the St. James Church Lads Brigade, just click over the photos to enlarge. Also the photos have now been added to the CLB Blog. Click here and scroll down.

(26th August 2015) A request from Kathy to see if we can recognise the grocers shop photo H. Halstead. It has originally been suggested it could be Haslingden with some reservations leaning towards Waterfoot. If you can help please let us know.

(23rd August 2015) Steve Rothwell has kindly added four new photos which are St. Marys Rose Queen from c1959.

(23rd August 2015) Myra Frohnapfel has kindly sent in two photos of her dad James Lewis Hall (WW1 photos), and also sent in a photo of the St. James 1920 Cricket Team.

(23rd August 2015) 5 recently found photos have been added to the War Heroes Blog. (click over link)

(20th August 2015) Added new photos St. Marys Walking Day 1960s, St. James C of E Football Team from 1920. Certificate of Appreciation (Great War) to James Lewis Hall, St. James C of E Student photo from 1918/1919. CLB Reunion photo 1950's, CLB PT outfits photo.

(19th August 2015) Just finished for now the new Music Blog called "MUSIC FROM HAZELDENE" Lots to be added in the near future.....

(11th August 2015) An old friend David Walsh has kindly supplied the wording that was in the "Slaughterman's Creed" along with some other snippets of information. If you want to check out David's contributions please click here and scroll down a little.

(11th August 2015) Anyone wanting to know the "analyticals". It is showing a record yesterday with the blog receiving 1,879 unique hits on the day, with 285 views at the same time period, also 32,887 hits over the month, and 685,688 hits (over 7 years).....

(10th August 2015) NEW BLOG "Bert the Blacksmith and Carr Hall Smithy and Bill that followed on" I have now moved this over to the Haslingden Corporation Horses blog as a follow on which you can access by clicking here.

(9th August 2015) Just added further additional information of photos to several heroes which are listed here in the Notices for the "War Heroes Blog"

(7th August 2015) "Before the Central Flats" - Just finalized the blog with some photos of the "opening ceremony" from way back in September 1967. I will try and add on the way but for now - Please enjoy.

(7th August 2015) If anyone wants to check Michael's (Mullaney) old maps plus some other old Haslingden ones as well. Then click here over my photo hosting site and then select and click over the map required. Cracking maps of the Central Development Areas - Hindle, Pleasant and Far Back Pleasant etc etc etc.....

(26th July 2015) Steve Rothwell has kindly sent in two photos from 1957 both of St. Mary's. One of the School photo of that year and one of the May Queen. I will also shortly add these to the St. Mary's blog.

(25th July 2015) Andrew Bridge has kindly sent in three photos which show Marsden Square Flats, Norweb Showroom and the old Market Hall with the HGS in the background. Also a further three photos showing the Grammar School prior to and during the demolition of this fine building. There are lots more of Andrew's photos to be added shortly.

(25th July 2015) A mail from Dr. John Dunleavy of a snippett in regards to "School uniforms for Girls" and regards to photo of 1933 showing girls only.

(19th July 2015) Just re-invented a photo of the Haslingden Darts Tournament held at the Workers Club with members of the finalist the Great Tree and the little Crown.

(19th July 2015) Audit and Update to "Thanks for contributions" by adding a further 8 names to the list and sorry to anyone I have accidentally missed off.

(7th July 2015) Just added a brilliant article on the history of the local newspaper which we used to have in Haslingden up to about thirty years ago and it was called "The Selling News".Please click here and scroll down.

(6th July 2015) Just added a Poster Notice for the 100 year celebrations of the Haslingden Primary School inviting all to a Tea Party in the Hall on 13th July 2015. Start at 2.30pm until you are ready to leave.

(6th July 2015) Just added a fabulous painting done by the late Mr. Arthur Kirby of a train coming out of North Hag Tunnel and into Haslingden Station. Please click here

(6th July 2015) Just added a Duckworth Clough Mill employees photo with some interesting information added by Stella Waters Great Grandaughter of Joseph Johnson who is in this photo.

(6th July 2015) Just added a further Haslingden Cricket Club photo.

(5th July 2015) Thanks to Douglas Newton for sending in a brilliant photo of old Haslingden from Hud Hey to the Station and which shows no less than 12 Mill chimneys along this stretch.

(4th July 2015) Just added two photos to the Blog 1) Camms Mill c1910 and one of Barlow Terrace Helmshore c1920s.

(27th June 2015) Two new photos added to blog 1) of the Workers and Staff at Duckworth Clough Mill, and 2) The Church Army wagon visiting Haslingden and Helmshore.

(26th June 2015 EXTRA) Just added a few more place names that have been changed from their original names. Thanks yet again to Michael Mullaney, check under Grey Mare Inn painting.

(26th June 2015) Marie Ives remembers a painting hung up in the Regent Hotel which was of the old Grey Mare Inn and she is sure it was painted by Jack Edge.

(26th June 2015) Michael Mullaney has kindly sent in some information about the Grey Mare together with other local place name changes. Check out below the Grey Mare painting.

(26th June 2015) Just added Armistice photo showing the reading of the declaration outside of the Municipal Offices in 1919.

(25th June 2015) Just added a very old painting of the Grey Mare Hotel, also a photo of the old Grey Mare Pub which was on Regent Street (later called the Regent).

(25th June 2015) More information on Mr. Alan Peckett shown in the HGS Paris trip photo (recently). Check photo to right hand side and a "snippet" has been entered below the photo.

(24th June 2015) Its really good news! We now have our own direct Facebook page which will give up to date information together with a link to a blog per day, which then allows for comment etc. Please enjoy - please click here for link

(23rd June 2015) Two photos kindly sent in by Joan Merrill showing when there was a burst water main and getting the water from the Well at the top of Wells Street.

(22nd June 2015) Updated HGS Paris visit to: teacher on left should have been named: Ernie Peckett -thanks to John McGuire and Ian Edmondson.

(20th June 2015) Just changed the title of the Wesley Walking Day photos to: Church Walking Day Photos. This is so I can accomodate other Church Walking Day Photos within the same blog. I have now added the recent St. Peters Church to the blog and intend to try and get all the others on soon.

(20th June 2015) John Tomlinson has kindly sent in a photo of HGS visit to Paris in 1960. Please check to your right hand side. I will also add this to the HGS blog.

(20th June 2015) Jeff Stevens has kindly added a name to the recent St. Peters Walking Day photo.

(18th June 2015) Stewart Smith has kindly sent in a 1959 walking day photo showing members of the St. Peters Church.

(17th June 2015) Please note Top O'th Slate History and Nature Records has now changed title to: Top O'th Slate and Laund Hey. This is so that I can incorporate the Laund Hey Races and Laund Heys recreational uses attached to the end of the Top O'th Slate Blog. Laund Hey Races information currently being added please click here and scroll to bottom

(11th June 2015) I have just done a small blog on James Maxwell (1838 to 1893) who hailed from George Street in Haslingden. Mr. Maxwell was the co-architect who designed the BLACKPOOL TOWER amongst many other well known iconic buildings. Thanks to Douglas Newton for bringing this to my attention. Click here to check out blog

(29th May 2015) Added contributions from Dorothy Birtwistle, Marie Ives, Michael Mullaney and Chris Aspin in regards to the Greenfield Gardens building

(28th May 2015) Les Caine is requesting information on The large property which was where the Greenfield Gardens and Memorial Gardens is now. I think it was a massage centre before it was knocked down, and also believe it was the home of Major David Halstead before he moved to Highfield. If you have some information for Les, let me know. I know he has already had one great offer of help!

(22nd May 2015) Just started a new blog called Grane Tea Gardens at Kettlewell Hall by Jackie Ramsbottom (Haslingden Roots). To be continued soon......

(21st May 2015) Marie Ives has kindly sent through a "snippett" about notes on Fires which were recorded by her Great Grandfather whilst he worked as a fireman in Haslingden during the late 1800s. Filed under emails

(20th May 2015) Andrew Bridge has kindly sent in photos from 1994 showing areas of the town which really did have lots of snow that year.

(19th May 2015) Been very busy with the new War Blog, but told some Haslingden Old and New pictures may be on their way soon! In the meantime you may wish to check out the new"War Heroes Blog" please Click Here

(12th May 2015) Florence Walsh (nee Clough) has sent in some information in regards to Hazelwood which I have now passed on to Chris Faulkner. Please click here to check out

(11th May 2015) Chris Faulkner is requesting information - Does anyone have any original internal photos of the inside of Hazelwood? He is trying to reinstate the internal of the building to how it used to be. Please click here to check out his email.

(11th May 2015) More information added to the PAGHOUSE blog thanks to Michael Mullaney.

(5th May 2015) We have started a new blog today which is called "Pag House" Please scroll down to check out the blog. which does have contributions by Michael Mullaney and Jackie from Haslingden Roots.

(3rd May 2015) What is a Pag House? Can anyone come up with the answers please.

(2nd May 2015) Two fabulous old photos kindly sent in by Barbara Hendry of the old Statham and Hirst, Insurance Brokers which was in Lower Deardengate between the Post Office/Rothwells and the Chip Shop on the corner of New Street. Also putting these photos on the Lower Deardengate Blog.

(1st May 2015) Two new photos to the blog of S.S. Stotts, Munition Workers including Mrs. Hilda Simpson, also a photo showing the old Helmshore Railway and the branch line to the Mill. Photo sent in by John Simpson (Chunky).

(30th April 2015) A new photo to the blog of Lower Deardengate, showing recessed buildings on the site of the old Nat West Bank.

(28th April 2015) Can anyone help Ethel Burridge please? She is looking for information on her "Town Crier" Great Grandfather who was called James Ratcliffe. Please let me know if you have any information.

(27th April 2015) Two more photos kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney. One of a gathering at Trinity Baptist and the other of the funeral procession of Father Notterdam.

(26th April 2015) Two more photos kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney. One of St. Marys Peace Procession from 1919 and the other of Road End, Sykeside.

(24th April 2015) Three new photos/postcards added thanks to Michael Mullaney. One of Rakefoot, one of Hutchbank and a Holiday postcard.

(23rd April 2015) Two new photos added thanks to Michael Mullaney. One of the Holcombe Hunt from 1926 and another from the Musbury Church Womens Carnival in 1914.

(22nd April 2015) Five more of Michael's photos this time showing a religious event on Marsden Square. Shows the Market Hotel and also the old original Hargreaves Street Mill. Also a couple of old postcards showing Market Place and the junction of Blackburn Road and Manchester Road. Also a new to the blog photo of Higher Deardengate. More of Michael's photos to be added over the coming days.

(22nd April 2015) We can now add date information which has been missing up until now, thanks to Henry Neil Linaker who is the grandson of Alderman Thalberg Brown. Ald Brown was bestowed the Freeman of the Borough on March 16th 1957.

(22nd April 2015) Marie Ives has added information to the photo which shows Sheep Green in the background and also her mums uncle stood in the doorway of Luke Ralphs.

(21st April 2015) MORE OF MICHAEL'S PHOTOS TO BE ADDED SOON.

(21st April 2015) A couple of old photographs of the funeral of the Rev Hoare from the King Street Methodist Chapel. Photos kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney.

(21st April 2015) A old photo of King Street Methodist Chapel kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney.

(21st April 2015) A photo from 1968 showing a true ginnell on Pleasant Street before demolition of these properties. Photo kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney.

(21st April 2015) A very rare old photo of a Horse Drawn tanker on Lower Deardengate c1900. Photo kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney.

(21st April 2015) A very rare photo of St. James Vicarage just off Regent Street. Photo kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney.

(17th April 2015) Just added a lovely painting sent in by Bill Cross Jnr of Autocross Plastics when they were at the top of Prinney Hill. Painting done by Paul.

(14th April 2015) Just added a Celtic FC (St. Marys FC) photo from 1915-1916 - shows some of the forefathers to our well known families living today in Haslingden.

(14th April 2015) John McGuire (ex pat Australia) has kindly sent in some memories of a suspicous travelling salesmen.Click here and scroll down.

(13th April 2015) Photos added for: Stott and Vizzard, Clifford Hargreaves Shop and a very old one of the Girl Friendly Society

(13th April 2015) Two photos kindly supplied by Mrs. Joyce Thorne of the Haslingden St. Johns Ambulance when they were on Lyndale Avenue

(12th April 2015) Fiona Balchin is requesting information on the TUDOR INN which was in Market Place in 1861 Can you help?

(12th April 2015) Fiona Balchin has kindly sent in information about her great uncle who was Robert Jackson and died at Gallipoli in WW1 - thanks to Fiona, his details have now been included within the Haslingden War Heroes Blog. Click here and scroll down to Robert Jackson

(9th April 2015) Can anyone help Christopher Constantine with further information in regards to the Helmshore Village Fete photo which is shown on the recent header photos. Please let me know if you can and I will pass it on direct to Christopher.

(7th April 2015) Marie Ives has kindly added some memories to the bottom of the John Dearden Memories Blog.

(6th April 2015) Just added two old interesting Haslingden Photos which are currently being offered for sale on the Ebay website.

(3rd April 2015) Fiona Balchin the daughter of the Late John Dearden of Dale Street has sent in some fantastic scribblings from her fathers notes which are really interesting and now being shared with you.

(27th March 2015) Just added two photos. One is the opening of the Haslingden Central Council School and the other is Haslingden's own Ambulance.

(24th March 2015) Just added two new photos to the blog 1) a further photo of Prinny Hill/Laburnham Street showing some vintage cars and also one of the old Car Park on Blackburn Road (the old site of Trinity Baptist Church) which is no longer a car park but the Market. I think the photos are from the 1980s.

(21st March 2015) Added new photos to the blog of the old flats on Marsden Square and also some showing the land after demolition and the building of new flats to the Prinny Hill, Laburnham Street, Blackburn Road areas.

(18th March 2015) Anne Nicholl is looking for old photos of her mum who is 91 and the photos she wants if possible show her mum presenting a bouquet of flowers to Lady Maureen Stanley on the opening of the Astoria Ballroom, Rawtenstall.Please click here to check out her email.

(16th March 2015) I have for now finished the Michael Davitt (Haslingden 1850 to 1870) blog with the follow on of the Irish President visiting Haslingden blog. I hopefully intend to start the Cockerill's (my lot!) Blog very soon....

(16th March 2015) Jean Wolstenholme has kindly sent in a 1956 approx St. Marys Student photo with student names. I have also now filed this under the St. Marys student photo blog as well and in photo album 2. Please enjoy

(16th March 2015) Besides other things hopefully today I will shortly be adding the post Haslingden years of Michael Davitt to the Blog.

(15th March 2015) Marie Ives has sent in some interesting notes from the late Jim Garnett about Michael Davitt's amputation and information on the burial of his severed arm in consecrated ground. Please read the MICHAEL DAVITT BLOG look under "The Workplace for Michael Davitt".

(15th March 2015) At some points during today I will be adding to the Michael Davitt blog, mainly about his early education and hopefully later about his work with Mr. Cockcroft at the Printers in Regent Street. I am also very grateful to have received help and support on my Davitt work from Dr. John Dunleavy, Angus at the IDL and Jackie of Haslingden Roots.

(14th March 2015) Keith Burton has sent in these two Wedding Photographs.

(13th March 2015) Vaughan Riley is requesting information on his Grandfather who was the licensee of the Griffin Pub and also his Grandfather's brother who was the first steward of the Land League. To check out Vaughan's mail click here. If you can help please let me know and then I will pass on any information.

(13th March 2015) Continuing to research and add extracts relating in particular to the early settlement and the education period of Michael Davitt to the Michael Davitt Blog

(12th March 2015) I have now made a start to my blog on Michael Davitt which I will hopefully be adding to on regular intervals as and when information comes to hand. If you want to check out this early work please click here and scroll down.Absolutely fascinating reading about his aiding Maden the man of the people against Sir Thomas Brooks who represented the privileged in the Rossendale Parliamentary Elections

(11th March 2015) Jean Wolstenholme has kindly sent in two photos from the early 1950's of Haslingden St Mary's Student photos and also where possible included their names.

(8th March 2015) David Blanchard is requesting help with a bottle he found whilst excavating a drive on Roundhill. Please check out photo and if you can help with information let me know please. Please click here

(8th March 2015) Just added a short blog called "The Day the Irish President came to Haslingden (100 years DAVITT celebrations).

(8th March 2015) Joyce Thorne (nee Adams) has kindly contributed information to include within the HASLINGDEN EARLY ASIAN SETTLERS BLOG scroll down from top.

(7th March 2015) Snippetts have been added to the Top O'th Slate Blog from Douglas Newton. They mention about the Brick chimney being demolished in the storms, also another about child registrations being born "Top O'th' Slates. To check please click here and scroll down as necessary.

(7th March 2015) Interesting letter dated Nov 8th 1859 about the HASLINGDEN CHURCH BELLS and dispute within the ranks. Article sent in by Douglas Newton and posted under Snippetts. Please click here to check it out.

(6th March 2015) Several newspaper articles and line drawing of THE HASLINGDEN MURDER scene of tragedy January 1902 - The Slate Reservoir. Thanks to Douglas Newton. Please click here and scroll down midway.

(4th March 2015) Just added a fabulous snippett together with a great painting of the house on Lower Lane done by Heather Holden at the time they camed to live there. Please click here and scroll down.

(3rd March 2015) A request for information has come through from Mr. Fingland Dent of Reading Berkshire. He is trying to find out if there are any list of employees and who used to employ his aunts in the 1940s at the Grane Road Mills especially Birtwistles. Please click here to check out his email.

(3rd March 2015) I am adding further information to the Haslingden Early Asian Settlers Blog. Bob Frith (Horse and Bamboo) has allowed me copy his "Different Moons" and include it at the end of the blog.

(3rd March 2015) Dorthy Birtwistle (nee Hargreaves) has kindly added information to the Haslingden Early Asian settlers blog. Scroll to bottom of blog.

(28th February 2015) I have now moved across HGS Student photos 1965 to amalgamate within the main HGS Blog, which can be found by scrolling to 1965. Thanks also to Alan Saunders (ex pat Switzerland) for supplying some of the names.

(28th February 2015) Thanks to John Tomlinson for sending in more names for the HGS 1957 and 1962 photos.

(28th February 2015) Peter Fisher has kindly sent in a old photo of a Rawtenstall procession which shows the old Astoria Ballroom on the left hand side.

(26th February 2015) Just added three fabulous photos of gentlemen in the funeral procession of the late J.L. Whittaker from 1911 whilst going up Pleasant Street on there way to Ebenezer Baptist.

(22nd February 2015 Marie Ives has just sent a email stating that she thinks it is the Rawtenstall Gospel Mission on Bury Road.

(22nd February 2015) Just added a further two walking day photos of the Gospel Street Mission on Bury Road, kindly sent in by Keith Burton.

(22nd February 2015) Was you aware there is a Haslingden in Queensland, Australia and it lies within the Parish of Rochedale. John McGuire ex pat is trying to find out how the area got its name and any other relevant information if possible. To check out John's email please click here.

(20th February 2015) Just added a photo of Haslingden Railway Station just after closure. A double header steam train passes through. One of the best photos for showing the original Swinnel watercourse before it was diverted.

(19th February 2015) Susan Wallace has kindly sent in two student photographs from the late 1950s and 1960 Haslingden County Primary School. I will also upload these to the Student Photo Blog within the next few minutes.

(17th February 2015) Two superb Hollands Pies Magazine covers kindly sent in by Jack Pilling. I am also including these within the Hollands Pies Blog.

(17th February 2015) Bernard Booth (one of the Rammy lot) has kindly added a further ten names to the 1952 Haslingden Grammar School Student photo click here and scroll down to 1952.

(16th February 2015) Added another photo from Jack Pilling of the Pastry Mixing Dept at Hollands Pies.

(14th February 2015) Sandra Smith and Brian Yap Wilson have added comments to the Haslingden Modern School Dinner Time Club photo.

(13th February 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in a photo of the Pastry Mixing Dept at Hollands Pies. I will soon upload also to the Hollands Pie Blog.

(13th February 2015) Pauline Emmett Dagg has kindly sent in a fabulous photo showing some of the dancers in the Haslingden Modern School Dinner time club. I will shortly include it also within the Modern School Blog.

(13th February 2015) Can't stop working this morning got some special inspiration from a special bud! So here we are a new poem called "Knock It Daern".....Just Click here and enjoy.

(11th February 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in two lovely postcards one of Irwell Vale and the other of Holden Wood

(11th February 2015) Sammy has sent in a email and thinks they recognise their Uncle (Stuart Jackson) and if anyone can let Sammy have any details of where Stuart can be contacted they would appreciate it very much. Please click here to check out the email.

(6th February 2015) A fabulous new blog which shows lots of photos and other information has been started and it is called HELMSHORE METHODIST FOOTBALL CLUB with all the content being kindly supplied by Jack Pilling. If you have any further photos or information please let me know so that it can be included. Click here to check out the new Blog (in preparation)

(30th January 2015) Keith Burton has sent in this super photo of Ebenezer Baptist Church Whitsuntide Parade whilst coming up through Lower Deardengate - also accompanying scan of notes on rear of postcard.

(29th January 2015) Keith Burton has sent in this super photo of St. Peters Church walking day whilst passing Ebenezer Church on Bury Road - also accompanying scan of photo notes on rear of postcard.

(29th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in a postcard showing the original St. Stephens Church, Grane in situ.

(28th January 2015 - Links to Other Sites of Local Interest I have had to remove at least four external local links this morning because they are showing to have become "inactive" or showing errors. I have checked out the remaining and they seem OK

(28th January 2015) Jack Pilling has sent in a lovely coloured postcard of the old Hutch Bank Quarry and also shows Spring Vale Mill and Carr Parkers lodge.

(28th January 2015) Keith Burton has kindly sent in two procession photos. One of the Church Lads Brigade and the other one requires some detail if possible!

(28th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in two football team photos from the 1950s.

(27th January 2015) Keith Burton has kindly sent in four photos two of which are the 1919 Peace Celebrations and two also of Wesleyan Gatherings. Keith wants to know further information if possible. Photos shown to your right and later will be included in the Carnival and Celebrations Blog

(27th January 2015) Michael Mullaney has kindly sent in a email with information on Hindle Street. Please check out Michael's email by clicking here.

(26th January 2015) Dave Rothwell has kindly sent in some small films. I have now uploaded them, the first which is St. James Sports Day held in 1964, then there is the HGS Staff versus Pupils Hockey Match. The third is the HGS 1965 Camp, and the fourth is the HGS Rag Day. Look to your right and click on the links. These will also be filed shortly under a new Haslingden on Film sidebar heading.

(26th January 2015) Brian (Yap) Wilson has kindly sent in six photos from the Haslingden County Primary School over various years. The photos can be viewed on the right hand side. Also now filed under the County Primary School blog and the photo album. If anyone can give me the "actual" years for these student photos it would be appreciated.

(25th January 2015) Vicky Anderson has had some great help already offered in relation to information regarding her grandad.

(18th January 2015) I have had a old photo sent in which dates from c1909 which depicts Haslingden Fire Brigade in a parade what looks very much like Bury Road - see photo opposite.

(18th January 2015) Two more photos kindly sent in by Keith Burton. One of the Parish Church and one of Fern Bank in its bunting.

(18th January 2015) Just added a new WW1 photo sent in by Keith Burton. It is thought it could be outside of the Public Hall. Please check photos to your right and soon will be included in the Photo Albums

(18th January 2015) Just added a new photo to the blog for the 1920 Parade in Lower Deardengate and raising money to purchase two Actinic Ray Lamps. Please click here to check out the Carnival Blog and scroll to the bottom.

(18th January 2015) Just added a new photo to the blog for the 1921 Carnival and it depicts the King and Queen, the King being played by James "Choppy" Warburton. Please click here to check out the Carnival Blog and scroll to the bottom.

(17th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in a couple of photos one from Grane Villa Football c1966 and a 1950 photo of the Springhill Methodist Cricket Club. You can view these photos on your right and I will shortly add them to the photo albums.

(16th January 2015) Just added thanks to Bryan Gudgeon a new HGS student photo for 1950. Please check out to your right and later to be filed in the Grammar School Blog and Photo Albums 2/3

(16th January 2015) A new Blog called "Carnivals, Celebrations and Coronations" is now being written up and thanks for the idea Jack, and also thanks to John and Steven and Peter for contributing some of the physical material for viewing and reference and scanning. Will be adding more throughout the day and more still over the coming weeks....... ( the earlier Haslingden Carnival, The Royal Visits etc etc etc).

(16th January 2015) The last New Photos to the Blog is now renamed Photo Album 3 and can be accessed within its own blog or alternatively from lower down in the left hand pane. The photos are also backed up in Photo Album 2.

(12th January 2015) Chris Aspin has published a pamphlet "Strange stories from a Lancashire Village" which is now on sale at Neary's (Gregory Fold). He would also be interested in any further local stories for a sequel. Please see notice opposite.

(12th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in one of the missing Haslingden Grammar School Student photos from 1954. Please look to your right or check out the Grammar School Blog and scroll down to 1954. Also filed in the photo album.

(12th January 2015) Jack Pilling has sent in a great photo showing one of the Hollands Pie Vans in their lodge. Photo taken during the 1980s. Please check to your right or click on the Holland's Blog and scroll to the bottom.

(10th January 2015) I have now included a very old map which clearly shows the Oakenwood Old Road and also the route which follows the bottom of Cribden End to which Michael relates in his earlier mail. Please click here to check out.

(9th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in four Carnival photos from Grane Mill employees around c1950. Please look to your right hand side. Now that Jack has raised it, I will try to open up a CARNIVAL, CELEBRATIONS BLOG soon of which I too can probably add a few photos. Also these photos will now be included in the photo album.

(9th January 2015) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in more walking day photos (3) together with a fabulous old photo of the Petrol Pumps at Cordingleys. The Photos will also be included in the photo album shortly. Also the Petrol Pump photo is now included in the Deardengate (East Side) Blog

(8th January 2015) Jack Pilling has sent in this photo from the old walking day processions. This photo is of Salem Methodist Chapel walking down Lower Deardengate towards Ryefield Avenue whilst going past Cordingleys. Look to your right hand side and I will also shortly add this to the Salem Blog and the Photo album.

(8th January 2015) Brian and Kathleen Haworth have sent in a photo via Jack Pilling of the Porritts team that entered the Medals Competition in the 60s. Please check out the photo to your right. It will also be shown in the Medals Blog and the Photo album.

(7th January 2015) Jack Pilling has sent in another photo from Hollands Pies, this is a Management Team during the early 1960s. Photo to your right, or click here to check out the Hollands Pies blog and scroll to bottom, and filed under the photo album.

(7th January 2015) Jack Pilling has sent in another photo from Hollands Pies, this is a group staff photo from the 1980s. Please look to your right hand side. Also this has been filed under both Hollands Pies Blog and the Photo Album.

(7th January 2015) Another photo has arrived but all it says is "Miss Barlow c1910" so possibly may relate to the Barlow family of Helmshore?

(6th January 2015) Kathleen and Brian Haworth have kindly sent in a photo via Jack Pilling of the Haslingden Youth Club Football Team from around the early 1960s period. This can be seen to your right. Also it will be added to the Youth Club Blog and also to the Photo Album

(6th January 2015) Kathleen and Brian Haworth have kindly sent in a photo via Jack Pilling of Haslingden Modern School Football Team from 1962. This can be seen to your right. Also it will be added to the Modern School Blog and also to the Photo Album.

(6th January 2015) Kathleen Haworth is requesting information on cottages built near to Spring Vale Mill. Please check out Kathleen's mail by clicking here. If anyone can help please let me know.

(4th January 2015) Marei Ives (via Twitter) in response to Chris Goldthorp search for information on Oakenhead Wood Road. Marei suggest you try the local library for that information.

(4th January 2015) Michelle Bingham is trying to locate a doctor who worked at the Rossendale General Hospital. If you want to check out Michelle's mail please click here.

(3rd January 2015) Asked by friends where they could see my tv appearance, I have added a link below under the heading "Media". This film is from the 2014 BBC Autumnwatch at Leighton Moss or you can if you wish just Click Here. (20mins approx duration) If you also would like to check out the 2013 BBC Autumnwatch then please click here. Also below is links for BBC North West News item with Beccy Meehan etc.

(1st January 2015) Jack has sent in another photo, this time it is a Haslingden County Primary School Student photo from 1954. He and his wife Barbara have included some of the names. To check out the photo look to your right hand side. It has also been added to the Haslingden Council School blogand also the photo album.

(1st January 2015) A new photo sent in by Jack Pilling of the 1960 Haslingden Youth Club Netball team. Also filed underHaslingden Youth Club blog and also in the photo album.

(1st January 2015) Ammended Mrs. E. Clegg of Rathmell, Yorkshire's email: I am now advised that the pub she is referring to in her previous email should have read: The Bay Horse Inn and not The White Horse, she has just recently found out this further information from recent help she has now received as a result of her earlier request on this blog.

(1st January 2015) Happy New Year to everyone and thank you for your continued support.

(30th December 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in three photos depicting the Belgium Refugees and the Medical and Nursing Staff. Please check out the photos to the right hand side. I will also include these in the photo album.

(28th December 2014) Mrs. E. Clegg of Rathmell, Yorkshire is requesting images/photos regarding the owner of the White Horse. Her Great Grandfather Mr. Dionysius Law was the owner in the early 1900s. Please check out her mail by clicking here and if you can help her please contact me and I will pass on any information.

(26th December 2014) Jack has kindly sent in another photo of the Young Farmers Show on St. Peters ground during the 1950s. Please look opposite.

(26th December 2014) Jack Pilling has sent in a great photo showing some of the old Hollands Vans together with his old scooter he used to travel to work on.... See opposite. Also filed under Hollands Blog and also under photo album.

(24th December 2014) Jack has sent another photo in for the Hollands Pies archive - Just check to your right and scroll down three or alternatively check out the Hollands Pies Blog. Also filed within the "Photo Album"

(24th December 2014) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in another photo which is of the 1959 St James Football Team. He has included the names of the players and some really interesting information about his dad playing for the team at the age of 50 plus other information. Please check out to the right or click on the St. James Pupils Blog by clicking here then scroll to the bottom. I have also put this photo in the photo album.

(23rd December 2014) John Oakley has kindly sent in a email and request information on his Great Grandfather James Edward Taylor who was the whip to the Harriers and then Huntsman with the Rossendale Hunt 1883. Can someone please help him with further information on his Great Grandfather or the Rossendale Hunt. If you can help please let me know and I will then forward details to John. Please click here to see his email. and if you would like to check out theRossendale Hunt Blog please click here.

(23rd December 2014) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in another photo which is the 1962/63 season Haslingden Youth Club Football Team. Just look to your right. I will also soon put this under the Youth Club Blog and also the photo album.

(23rd December 2014) Shamsheer Qureshi a former pupil of Haslingden High School has sent in a email giving respect to his former headmaster Mr. Marshall who sadly passed away on 29th November and Shamsheer is asking that someone may wish to pen a comprehensive obituary for Mr. Marshall.To check out Shamsheer's mail please click here.

(22nd December 2014) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in another three photos of Hollands Pies which you can see on the right hand side from here. Also these have now been uploaded to the Hollands Blog and the photo album.

(22nd December 2014) Jack Pilling has kindly sent in a new photo of Haslingden Council School pupils from 1950/1951, he has also managed to name some of the pupils. See photo across. This photo has now been added to the school photo blog and also included in the photo album

(18th December 2014) Jack Pilling has so kindly sent in these three fabulous photos of inside the factory at Hollands Pies during the 1960s. I have put them for now under the "New Photos" opposite. But they will retain a more permanent home within the Hollands Pies Blog (click here and scroll to bottom)

(8th December 2014) A very old photo has been added of the Church Lads Brigade.

(7th December 2014) Michael Mullaney has sent in another detailed email in response to John McGuire's earlier mail and also he offers further discussion on the "Irish Catholic burials". To check out Michael's mail please click here.

(7th December 2014) A couple of photos of the Haslingden Secondary Modern School Orchestra and another of the school Brass Band probably dating from the 1950s. Please check to the "new photos" to the right hand side. I will also now include these in the Haslingden Secondary Modern School Blog and also the photo album.

(6th December 2014) Michael Mullaney has sent in a interesting email and ask the question "Where were the hundreds of Irish Catholics buried between the years 1850 to 1920. Please click here to read Michael's email and please feel free to respond if you wish.

(5th December 2014) Sam Westwell has just sent in a super email about school photo, Mr. Seniors old rope works etc etc etc. Please click here to read his mail and later I will also put this stuff on The Haslingden Junior School 1952/53 photos. I will also try and include a little piece called "Mr. Senior's Rope Works" will include both Sam's and John (Edwards) information.

(5th December 2014) Paul Schofield has kindly sent in three photos relating to Hollands Pies. You can see the photos to the right in the "New Photos to Blog" front page or alternatively you can check them out by clicking here for the Hollands Pies Blog and scroll down. I will also shortly put them in the photo album.

(27th November 2014) Michael Mullaney has sent in a email containing information from schooldays at St. Mary's and in response to Sheila McConville and teacher Miss Spiers. To check out Michaels mail please Click here and scroll to bottom of St. Mary's Blog.

(25th November 2014) James David Heyworth is requesting help finding copies of Eric Newtons arrangements for his late dad's band (Jimmy Heyworth Band of Rawtenstall Astoria fame), he would be happy to purchase, if anyone can help please let me know and I will pass the information on to James.

(17th November 2014) Anne Clarkson has had some great help by Jackie on her recent request.

(14th November 2014) Anne Clarkson is requesting information on her 2nd Great Grandfather John Clarkson who was born in Preston in 1821 and died in Haslingden in 1877. There is also a story of a brick kiln explosion and she is looking for more details. Please click here to check out her email. If you can help please let me know and I will pass on details to Anne.

(11th November 2014) Mrs Dorothy Birtwistle (nee Hargreaves) has kindly made a couple of amendments to the teacher and head of the St. James C of E School 1962 photo. Miss Hargreaves was the actual teacher shown in the photo.Please click here and scroll down to 1962

(10th November 2014) Derek Whittaker is requesting help to ask if anyone has information on a historic court case in which his family where involved. Please let me know if you can help Derek, in the meantime please check out his email by clicking here.

(10th November 2014) Michael Mullaney has kindly sent in a football medal photo awarded to Michael Docherty who sadly died young. Michael is portrayed on a St Marys FC photo which Angus sent in and can accessed here or to be found in the "Photo Album"

(10th November 2014) Thanks to Derek Whittaker for kindly helping with information to Hannah Zahman's request.

(10th November 2014) Angus has just sent in some recent photos of the St. Mary's Student Reunion held on the 24th October 2014 at the IDL Club. Click over the link in the photo to see all the photos or click here if you prefer.

(2nd November 2014) Just added Peter Samson's photos of the old railway which was used for repairs at Mitchell House Reservoir during the 1960s.

(1st November 2014) Hannah Zahman is requesting help with information on Sykeside Mill, Haslingden for her project has a student with Clitheroe Grammar School can someone please help her. Check her mail by clicking here.

(1st November 2014) Two kind offers of help for David Worsley requesting information on his Great Grandfather Alderman Henry Worsley have been forwarded on to him.

(20th October 2014) Will also be adding over the next day or two. Some lovely photographs by Peter Samson of the Railway which was used during repairs to Mitchell House Reservoir, Near Stonefold. Also Michael Mullaney has kindly sent in a scan of Michael Docherty's Football Medal. Also Paul Schofield has kindly sent in a photo of Harry Schofield (his dad) and Frank Barnes relating to Haslingden Printing Works. Will try and get on tomorrow.

(20th October 2014) Can someone please help David Worsley who is looking for information and photographs of his Great Grandfather who was Alderman Henry Worsley (Mayor of Haslingden). Beside filing under emails the photo of the medal has also been included at the end of the Mayoral Blog. To check out David's email and a photo of his great grandfathers coronation medal, please click here.

(15th October 2014) I have just added another name to the Haslingden War Dead Heroes blog. He is Craven Ralph of the Royal Field Artillery. Information kindly supplied by Marie Ives and Craven was her mothers uncle. Please click here and then scroll down to Craven Ralph

(13th October 2014) I have just added another name to the Haslingden War Dead Heroes blog. He is Robin Dearden 7th East Lancs Regt. I noticed that Robin's medal is currently being sold on Ebay.

(9th October 2014) Angus Lindsay has kindly sent in a photo of Haslingden St. Marys FC from the 1930s. Please check to the right hand side of the blog under "new photos" - Also filed under St. Marys Blog and also filed in Photo Album below.

(8th October 2014) Samantha Challinor has kindly sent in a school photo from approx 1900 depicting the students of Group 9 of the St. Johns School, Baxenden. Please look under new photos to the blog to the right and scroll down.

(29th September 2014) Angus Lindsay has kindly added a notice for the Haslingden St. Marys School Re-union, which will take place at the Irish Club on Friday October 24th from 7.30pm onwards. Please see notice to the right of the blog

(28th August 2014) Added further interesting notes from Jeff Stevens in relation to the Haslingden Printing Works, Just check out the blog opposite and scroll down.

(28th August 2014) I have started a small blog about the old Haslingden Printing Works Limited which was on John Street and should anyone have any contributions to add to the blog, they would be most gratefully received. (tweeted 1030hrs @bryanyorke)

(27th August 2014) Can anyone help me please? I am trying to get in touch with a Mr. Bob Miller who was the author of the "Haslingden Grane Tramway". The short article which he wrote gives good descriptions of both the Hutch Bank Tramway and also the Musbury Heights Tramway. If you can help with any contact details for Mr. Miller it would be much appreciated, thank you.

(21st August 2014) John Vizzard has kindly sent in a link for old maps to help Cheryl Clarke with her search on the old railway at Warburton Buildings. Click here to see the map and then go to top left and click (+) to enlarge. I will also add the general link to the Links below, because there are some superb old maps of Haslingden, some older and some newer. If you want a direct link to the site John has sent through then click here and then choose your map from the right hand side, then click on the red button which says "view map" top right and then when the map has loaded go to top left hand side of map and enlarge by clicking (+)

(21st August 2014) I have just added another 40 names to the "Grateful Contributions" list below and a big thank you to all mentioned and to any I may have forgot to mention in error, for your great contributions of photograph scans, old postcard scans, snippets of information, old catalogues and brochures and scans of old adverts etc, old newspaper cuttings and this that and tuther (enjoy!) and most of all for your kind support throughout the six years of the project.......For anyone interested in statistics we are now getting on average between 600 and 1000 hits per day. With lots of viewers from overseas including many ex pats.

(20th August 2014) Just added Royal Visits, Celebration and Funeral photos to the photo album (linked below) or click here for direct link

(18th August 2014) Cheryl Clarke is requesting information for a friend on "Warburton Buildings" which lies off Grane Road. Can anyone help with information of old railway track which went from there to Quarry and also how Warburton Buildings got their name. If you can help Cheryl please pass any information on to me thank you. Check out Cheryl's email by clicking here.Follow up at 1542hrs from Ian Warburton. (tweeted 1620 @bryanyorke)

(18th August 2014) Just added "Bands and Orchestra" photos to the photo album. (linked below) or direct if you click here. Also added "Bury Road and Adjoining Streets" photos to the photo album (linked below) or direct if you click here. Added Blackburn Road (linked below) or direct if you click here.1615HRS NOT ADDING ANYMORE TO PHOTO ALBUM TODAY. (tweeted at 1620 @bryanyorke)

(10th August 2014) Keith Burton has kindly shared with us yet again even more old photos from his vast collection, this time there is one of the Manchester Road Methodist Coronation Procession shown in Park Street, and another three superb photos of Mr. Ridings the SykeSide Mill Manager of his wedding and celebrations. Please check out the "Old but New" photos or click here. (also tweeted at 1155hrs)

(10th August 2014) Added Work and Workplace photos to the photo album (linked below) or direct by clicking here. (also tweeted at 1155hrs)

(6th August 2014) Just added a further photo relating to WW1 and its the 4th photo opposite depicting soldiers of the 5th Battalion of the East Lancs Regt whilst in the Drill Hall.

(6th August 2014) Michael Mullaney has just sent in a very interesting piece about the old Police Lock up on Bury Road which was across from the (New Inn, or today The Mary Hindle Centre). Also some interesting tales about when the shop was Drivers the Newsagents. Please click here and scroll down to check them out. (0810hrs tweeted @bryanyorke)

(4th August 2014) Three photos relating to WW1 showing some of Haslingden's brave volunteers at both Flaxmoss and Acre and also a photo of the National Reserve at Market Place. Check opposite. (Also now at 2110hrs tweeted @bryanyorke)

(3rd August 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in three photographs to share with us. Two relating to the 1911 Coronation and another showing a 80s photo of Drivers which was on Bury Road. You can check out these photographs opposite.

(20th July 2014) Valerie Tomlinson is requesting information about the "ghostly" tales she has heard about in relation to her property "Slate Farm" can anyone advise on any of this please. Let me know please and I will pass it on to her. I would also love to hear about these tales as well, thats if there is anything in it. To check out her email please click here.

(17th July 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in this photo depicting the Cattle Fair in Higher Deardengate.

(17th July 2014) Alison May has kindly sent in some fabulous photos of groups for the Trinity Baptist and depict outside the Trinity Baptist Church, and Trinity Baptist meetings outside the Lindens or around the Big Lamp. Please check to your right and click to enlarge if required.

(15th July 2014) I have just added several photographs from the old Salem days of when the choir did a production of Iolanthe in 1929. I have decided to move them over straight to the photo album but can still be accessed from the blog or click here if you wish

(11th July 2014) Still lovely sunshine here today in Cumbria, And I am sure its "glowing" over the old place! ( Haslingden) as well.

More fabulous information added thanks to David Emison, about some of the history of the Manchester Road Methodist Chapel and School etc. Please click here and scroll down.

(10th July 2014) Just added information from David Emison in regards to the Annual Walking Days ending up at the original Big Lamp - relates to the bottom two photos of Keith Burton.

(10th July 2014) I do intend to start a new blog shortly entitled "Haslingden Printing Works" which used to be on John Street opposite the Bus Depot. Besides many other private and public notices etc it was responsible for the printing and issue of the Haslingden Selling News which later became the Haslingden Borough News. If you can help with any photos or information on the Printing Works please get in touch, your contributions would be most welcome.

(10th July 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in a further photo, which this time is the King Street Methodist Church depicting the front of the Church with its fabulous organ pipes etc. To see Keiths photo and the postcard content please look to your right.

(8th July 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in more photos from his private collection and show various proclamations taking place at the Big Lamp. I wonder if mine or your relations may have been part of the vast crowds? Please check out the photos to your right hand side and click over to enlarge.

(7th July 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in two more from his collection which shows the first electric trams. The photos are shown opposite.

(3rd July 2014) Keith Burton has kindly sent in two more photos which are showing opposite. They are of the old Haslingden Baltic Trams.

(3rd July 2014) Can anyone help Dave Twydell who requires information on Haslingden Football Club and the Stand Athletic Club, please check out his mail by clicking here and if you can help please let me have details and I will pass it on.

(1st July 2014) A brilliant story sent in by John R. Edwards in relation to the Palace Pictures showing a "notice" on the screen stating local lost children (John and his pal) and for customers to look out for. Click here to check his email and scroll to bottom.

(1st July 2014) 2 more photos kindly offered up by Keith Burton. one of the Acre Mill Fire and the other on the Grand Opening of the Free Library. Headlining blog to the right orclick here please click over photos to enlarge

(28th June 2014) Dave White remembers dashing from the flicks down to Danny Rudges Chip Shop until one day Tony Hoyle stopped them and made them stand to attention for the Queen. Check it out by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom. Also added some fond memories of the Empire when Alan Papworth's (then girlfriend Jean) worked there as a usherettte.

(21st June 2014) Allan Bradshaw has kindly sent in a very old photograph of the Salem Methodist Church Cricket Team and his dad's medals. Do you know of any of the members of the team and if so please let me know.

(21st June 2014) Rossendale Free Press are featuring the "Empire, Palace Flicks and when chips cost a Tanner blog" next Friday 27th June)

(20th June 2014) A great email received from Mrs. Edith Smith who came to live in Haslingden in 1941/2 as a evacuee, and mentions the places where she has lived and the people she knew. Please check here to read her email

(18th June 2014) John McGuire (ex pat Australia) has kindly sent in a photo of the old Haslingden Fire Engine from c1946 showing him holding it back. Click here and scroll down to the bottom of the blog to check out the photo. I have also moved over Michael Mullaneys fire engine notes and John R. Edwards fire engine notes to the Haslingden Fire Brigade Blog so that there all together, just scroll to the bottom of the blog.

(13th June 2014) Michael Mullaney has sent in some really good information in regards to Bank Street, The Bank, The Pictures and the Pink Special Sports newspaper etc etc. Pleaseclick here to check out. This will also be filed under "Empire, Palace Flicks and when Chips cost a Tanner"

(13th June 2014) I have received a very interesting email from Peter Barnes and can be seen by clicking here Peter is requesting information on a John Barnes who lived at Todd Hall farm, presuming around 1800. And he would be grateful if anyone has any further information, regarding this John

Barnes.

(13th June 2014) Interesting email received today from John Heap who's father owned the Hairdressers shop at the top of Higher Deardengate. Please click here and scroll to the bottom of the blog to check out his mail.

(13th June 2014) Just heard that the Deardengate Blog (East Side) is in the Rossendale Free Press this week. Check full blog by clicking here Next RFP article will be the Blog "Empire and Palace Flicks and when chips cost a tanner"

(30th May 2014) Just added lots more text of the "Briar" writings which appeared in the Haslingden Observer (year 1932) recording some of the fabulous history of Haslingden's Top O'th Town area from the 18th,19th and 20th centuries.Please look to your right or click here to check out the blog.Lots lots more to be added very soon.

(29th May 2014) More names for the Haslingden Grammar School 1952 photo have been kindly sent in by Diane Schofield and these will be updated shortly.

(24th May 2014) Currently remembering, researching and hence putting pen to paper to make a start of the Top Of The Town Blog (in preparation) with some initiation text now included. Any help with contributions are always welcome....

(22nd May 2014) Just added a small sketch I have done showing a map of just where "Top Of The Town" was and showing the central points of "Town Green" and "Town Gate" in relation to the current Church Street, King Street and Wilkinson Street.

(21st May 2014) More photos sent in by John Bedford. In addition to the "New Photos of Haslingden", John has also sent a couple more showing some of the demolition of the old top of the town. These will be included in the blog in the next day or two.

(21st May 2014) About to start a new blog on the Old Part of Haslingden always known as the "Top Of The Town". Text and photos will be added over the next few weeks. To check blog look to your right or click here.

(15th May 2014) Mike Hogan (ex pat France) has kindly sent in this photo showing girls and a maypole on the back of a float from the 1950s. (taken from near the big lamp). Scroll down opposite (New photos) to the bottom to see photo.

(9th May 2014) Kathleen Haworth is requesting information in regards to photograph of St. Thomas Musbury Choir, Helmshore (1924). The History group there would love to know names within the photo if possible. Check photo to right (straight across to right) under "More Haslingden Photos".Also now added to photo album below

(8th May 2014) John R Edwards has sent in more information on Hollands in connection with No.11 Market Place. Just check out first blog "More Photos" and scroll to bottom to check his mail.

(7th May 2014) Jackie Ramsbottom has kindly been in touch with Peter Booth (6th May) with information in regards to his grandfather.

(7th May 2014) David Stevenson has kindly sent in the Census details of the Holland family confirming that they went from Lower Deardengate to No. 10 Church Street and then on to No.11 Market Place. Check David's email by going across to the more photos on the right hand side and scroll to the bottom. This information will also be included at the bottom of theHolland Pies Blog shortly whilst ammendments to that Blog reflecting this information will also be actioned therein.

(6th May 2014) A query has arisen in regards to the early Hollands Pies shop. It now looks like Hollands 2nd home could well have been at No.11 Market Place and not the adjoining buildings to the Trades Club. Please check out the old advert from 1911 by checking out the More Photos opposite and scroll to the bottom

(6th May 2014) Can anyone help Peter Booth with information on his Great, great, great Grandfather, who had connections with the Haslingden Gas Company 1848 - 1852. Please click here to read his full email.

(2nd May 2014) Michael Mullaney has kindly sent in more scans of the United Irish League Club Bazaar from 1911. Here there are lots of photos of the various Committees and lots of brilliant adverts. Please click here to go direct to my photo hosting site. Click over a thumbnail and expand if you want to or just click the arrows to advance or reverse. Please Enjoy. (Also filed under Old Adverts and Documents)

(2nd May 2014) Joan Merrill has kindly sent in a very old photo of the Grane Road Methodist Chapel (date unknown).Please look to the "New Photos" to the right and scroll down.Also filed under photo album below

(28th April 2014) Just added three pages from the 1911 Land League Bazaar Brochure kindly sent in by John Bedford. Please check to first blog and scroll down.

(28th April 2014) Just added a St Marys First Communion photo from 1958 kindly sent in by Mike Ryan. Look opposite and listed under New Photos and also will be located in future under the St. Marys Blog.

(28th April 2014) Just added a great email from John R. Edwards, relating to the new Marsden Square photo. Check out his mail by going to the bottom of the new photo blog opposite.

(28th April 2014) Someone has kindly sent in a lovely old photograph showing Church St, Marsden Square and part of the old Top O'th Town- Please check the blog to your right, and later it will also be filed under "photo album".

(27th April 2014) Mike Ryan has kindly sent in a email stating that the Thomas Ryan (secretary) of the United Services Club was his Grandad. To check out Mike's email check the blog opposite and scroll to bottom).

(23rd April 2014) Ex Pat Margaret West from Calgary, Canada has sent in a email request to see if anyone has a scan of a photograph they can let her have of her late confectioners shop which was Tomlinsons Bakery No. 34 Manchester Road. Please Click here to read email If you can help Margaret will you kindly let me know and I will then pass any information on to her.

(16th April 2014) Added photo of John William Riley to United Service Club Blog - thanks John Bedford. Check blog to the right or click here.

(15th April 2014) Jackie Ramsbottom has kindly sent some information of the late Richard Barnes which has been passed on to Duncan Francis. Please check out here

(15th April 2014) Duncan Francis is researching men with a connection to Ramsbottom wo were killed during the WW1 and he wants further information on Richard Barnes. Also he wants to know about which local Haslingden newspapers reported about Haslingden during the WW1. Please check out his email by clicking here.

(13th April 2014) Joan B has kindly sent in a email requesting if anyone has knowledge about the Haslingden Grammar School trip to Paris in 1945 or 1946. Also some interesting notes about butchers shops and stones from the old Haslingden Railway Station. If you can help with her request please get in touch. To check out her mail please click here. I will shortly also add the notes to the Meat Blog and the Haslingden Railway Blog.

(11th April 2014) More information now added to the Unity Club, United Service Club, National Reserve Club, Staff Of Life pub thanks to John Bedford. Please check blog to right or click here.

(8th April 2014) Trying to find out information on the United Service Club, Lower Lane, Haslingden. Was this the same Club which eventually turned out to be the Unity Club on Lower Lane. If you can help please contribute, thanks. Look across or Click here to check out blog here.

(7th April 2014) Can anyone help please. I am desparate to get hold of a scan of a photograph of the old Thorn Pub showing its original brewery signs. I need it for a forthcoming presentation and I do have a more modern Mary Hindle Centre photo but could really do with a older one. Any help would be much appreciated. If you can kindly help you can contact me at bryan.yorke@sky.com

(1st April 2014) Peter Barnes has sent a email request for information on Todd Hall and also wanting to know if there are any means or records of farm tenancy. Please click here to check out his mail and if you can help please let me know and I will forward on information. Jackie has kindly sent Peter some of this information

(27th March 2014) Jackie has come up with some further information on the Brewery Building tower. The tower was built in 1894 and demolished in 1938.

(27th March 2014) Some more fabulous old postcards photos from Keith Burton of various shots of Haslingden St. James Church, Manchester Road and St. Mary's have now been added. I have also added them to the photo album below.

(19th March 2014) Peter Gidley has kindly sent in a article about the Swinnel Brook which has now been added at the end of the Original Blog. To check it out please click here and scroll down to bottom of blog.

(19th March 2014) Keith Burton has kindly supplied more postcard scans, the interior of St. James Church, Grane Mftg Co, St. Stephens in its original place. There is also a couple more which will be filed under "photo album" before the end of the day.

(19th March 2014) Jackie has kindly sent in a fabulous newspaper cutting showing that the stones from the demolished Martins Bank (Regent Street corner) were transferred over to Accrington to build the St. Josephs R.C. Church. Please click here and scroll down to see article

(18th March 2014) Keith Burton has kindly supplied photos of Martin Croft, The Old Workhouse Postcards, and the Post Office. Three of them are showing within the blog to the right and the rest are now filed under "Photo Album".

(17th March 2014) Alan Papworth has kindly supplied a photo from 1942 of Class 1A at the Haslingden Senior School, Please check out photos to the right hand side or go direct to the Haslingden Modern School Blog Also the photo will be filed under "Photo Album".

(14th March 2014) Keith Burton has kindly supplied two new photos which I have now uploaded. One on Carter Place which is also now included within the Carter Place blog and the other one is the old Co-op Shops on Blackburn Road which is now the antique shop, this is also included in the meat blog. I have included them on the header blog for a week or so and will later transfer them over to the Photo Album. Please check blog to your right or click here.

(12th March 2014) Kathleen Haworth has kindly sent in a photo of the Primitive Methodist which used to be near the top of Grane Road (almost opposite the lower part of Alexander Buildings) Please click here to check out.

(25th February 2014) Stella Waters (nee Pilkington) is seeking help to contact David and Elizabeth Grime children of Clifford Grime. Can you help please, if so please let me know. To check Stella's mail click here.

(25th February 2014) Janet Pritchard (Australia) is seeking information on her ancestors. Can anyone help? if so please contact me and I will pass on the information. Check her email by clicking here.

(21st February 2014) Mike Ryan has sent in a email requesting that should anyone know him or his family, he would welcome them to get in touch with him. Check out his email by clicking here.

(20th February 2014) Christine Howarth's Old Adverts and Recipes have now been moved into the "Adverts and Old Documents" section in the left pane below or if you prefer click here for direct link (external) then select your advert and click over to enlarge and then use enlarge option for original sizes etc

(15th February 2014) Here's a old photo kindly sent in by Michael Mullaney depicting the "old" Lovers Lane which was at the back of the Old Public Hall. An old Haslingden quote might be "As Black as up lovers" Check blog opposite and also filed in photo album.

(14th February 2014) A new photo has been kindly added from John McGuire (ex pat Australia) of himself and Kathleen Gill stood at the junction of James Street and Prospect Hill at the time of the VE Celebration (bunting etc). Please check blog opposite or click here. Also filed under Email Snippetts and Photo Album.

(12th February 2014) Allan Bradshaw has kindly sent in another photo of the St. Peters Scout Group on Parade. Check opposite.

(11th February 2014) Further additions to the Meat Trade Blog eg: Another slaughterhouse at Moorlands Farm providing meat for the hospital. Also a further two butchers on Church Street. To check out the blog please click here.

(11th February 2014) Pete Samson has kindly sent in a photo of some of the St Peters Scouts. He was hoping someone might know the missing names. Check blog opposite. Also filed underemail snippetts and photo album.

(11th February 2014) Allan Bradshaw has now sent in several names for the St Peters Scouts 1958 photo. Names now included within photo - See under photo album

(8th February 2014) Added a request mail from Nicky Bibby for urgent information for her to try and help her dad Brian Matthews who was well known as a amateur boxer in Haslingden. Please check out her mail here and scroll down. If you can help let me know and I will pass on the details directly to her.

(8th February 2014) Joe Harrison has kindly sent in two great photographs. One of Haslingden St. James Pupils for 1950. Just look across to the current blog or if you want the St. James student photos blog check out please click here and scroll down to 1950. Also Joe has sent in a great photo of the 1953 Coronation Celebrations held at the Co-op Hall.

(8th February 2014) A little more information added to the Banking Blog. Please click here

(8th February 2014) Allan Bradshaw (Helmshore) has kindly sent in this great photo of the St. Peters Scouts Group from c1958. Please Click here to check out the photo. I will also be filing under "photo album" far below, if you want larger resolutions check here.

(6th February 2014) Now added another ten ads etc from Christine's booklets. Slightly older than the previous ones.Check them out on the blog

(5th February 2014) Christine Howarth of Birch Avenue has kindly sent in some fabulous old local recipe books with some super adverts from the 1930's. Check them out on the blog

(1st February 2014) Annette Barnes is requesting a photo of the Rev. Bernard H. Lord who was vicar at St. Peters 1946-1951. If you can help please contact me. Check out Annette's email click here.

(1st February 2014) Gordon Rae has sent a request email for information in regards to his family from Pike Law, Mangnoils, Needlass and Musbury. If you can help him please let me have information and I will pass it on. To check out his mail please click here.

(31st January 2014) Two fabulous old 1928 adverts about Tripe, Cowheels, Trotters, Polony and Brawn. Kindly offered by Alison May. Click here and scroll to bottom of blog. Also these will be filed under adverts and documents plus other adverts as well.

(29th January 2014) Just added a little more information to the "Where did Haslingden folk put their brass" a few notes on the Trustee Savings Bank and a cracking photo of the inside of the bank etc. Also some notes on the Martins Bank Click here to check it out

(28th January 2014) Just added a great mail from Alison May along with a photo of the badge she was issued with from Trustee Savings Bank in the 1960s. Click here to check out.

(27th January 2014) Brian Smith has kindly sent in a photo of the Haslingden Auction Mart for the Haslingden Meat Blog and also John Simpson has kindly sent in photos and a sales advert for the Auction Mart together with some great information.

(26th January 2014) Jackie Ramsbottom has kindly sent in a photo of the Rising Bridge butchers shop together with names of the prorietors. And also some more information about the Grane Road butchers and also them having a butchers at the back of the Holden Arms. Click here to check out the blog.

(22nd January 2014) Alen Fielding (Ex pat Queensland, Australia) lived opposite St James School and then Delph St. gives some fabulous historic information regarding his Grandfather being Landlord of the Robin Hood, and also some Grane history of his grandfather Fred Kenyon who came from a property between the two reservoirs which I believe to now be preserved ruins. I am wondering if this would have been "Hartley House" etc.

(18th January 2014) A Email and request for information from Jean Tomlinson, with a photo she thinks is of the East Lancs Regt when they received the "Freedom Of the Borough".Please click here to check out the email and photo. Also photo filed in the Photo Album.

(18th January 2014) A Email from Jean Tomlinson, with a photo of the opening of the Haslingden Co-op Shoe Shop with both Stanley Matthews and Vinoo Mankad. Please click here to check out. Also filed under Photo Album

(18th January 2014) Just added a short poem about Greyfriars Bobby who is buried at Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh. Not pure Haslingden, but maybe loved by Haslingden. Click here to check the poem.

(9th January 2014) Christopher Linaker has kindly sent in this photo of his grandfather - Alderman Thalberg Brown who was a Freeman of the Borough. To check out his photo please click here. This can also be linked from the The Mayors and Last Borough Council Blog.

(8th January 2014) I have now brought all the Haslingden Secondary Modern School photos from the archive and placed under one blog with excellent additional photos of the school trip from Squires Gate Airport with Mr Dean and Mr Evans, The Arts Class with Mr. Hinckley, and the school basketball team. These photos were kindly supplied by John Taylor, Bill King and Jim Nuttall. Click here and scroll down to check them out.

(22nd December 2013) Just a few beautiful memories of sheep shearing in Cumberland in 1960 - Please enjoy

(16th December 2013) Just received a nice email from Pete Samson (old school chum and ex pat from the Fylde) who wants to know if anyone is around from his "sparking" days at Porritts etc etc etc. To check out Petes mail please click here.

(12th December 2013) I have just added some of my photos of local gravestones which can be accessed from my photobucket hosting site by clicking here. Once loaded select photo and click over it to enlarge. If you do require larger then go to right hand corner and click the plus sign. All photos have been loaded to original size if required. If you wish to look at them from a index please click here and select

(11th December 2013) Steve Bentley is requesting information on his Great Grandfather (John (Jack) Bentley and also Bentley House and Bentley Moss. If anyone can help please let me know and I will pass it on to Steve. Check his email by clicking here. (14th Dec update: one offer of help notified)

(5th December 2013) Kathleen Hogg has kindly sent in three emails requesting help to try and locate photographs etc from when her mother was very active at St. Mary's. Her mother now suffers from illness and any photos would be much welcomed to try and help her with the illness. If you can help Kathleen please get in touch with me at bryan.yorke@sky.com and I will pass on your help directly to Kathleen. To check out her emails please click here.

(5th December 2013) Keith R Lingard (Kent) ex-pat, and probably better known as Keith Robert Atkins originally from 38 Warwick Street as sent a email with memories of Haslingden and would love for some of his ex school classmates to get in touch with him. Please click here to check out his mail.

(29th November 2013) Just added a NEW but short blog on "What I can see from a old photo" eg: The Length of the Peace Procession, Bob Gardner's Grocers, Dustbin Sentries, Young chaps all with "flat caps" etc etc etc.

(28th November 2013) Added a photo of a Carter Place Hall Garden Party. No more details. Added to Carter Place Blog. Please look to the right hand and scroll down to bottom orPlease click here to check it out.

(25th November 2013) Email request from Carol Kennedy (Massachusetts, USA) is requesting information on her "Smith" relatives. Please click here to read her email. If you can help Carol please contact me. Update 26th Nov: Jackie has kindly offered Carol help with contacts etc.

(25th November 2013) Clifford Hargreaves and his sister have been kind to offer even more names for the 1947 Haslingden Grammar School Photo. Please click here and scroll down.

(25th September 2013) Nadine Crabtree has now sent in this photograph of her relation Arthur Pickup and his wife in their motorcycle and sidecar. She is asking if anyone can date the bike. Please Click Here to check out.

(25th September 2013) John McGuire (ex pat from Australia) has kindly sent in this fabulous photograph from the Grand Carnival - 1930s ? Please click here to check it out. (also now filed under photo gallery below.

(19th September 2013) Nadine Crabtree is seeking information about George Arthur Pickup and whether the school photo is of the old "Haslingden School". Also she has sent in a photo of a group of which she wants some further information if possible. If anyone can help her will they kindly contact me. Please check out the email and photo by clicking here.

(19th September 2013) John Hindle (ex pat Australia) has kindly sent in some interesting information on Carter Hall together with photos of his grandfather (the last owner of the Hall) and himself as a child sat on one of the ornamental lions that once featured at the Hall entrance. Click here and scroll to bottom of blog to check it out.

(15th September 2013) Bill Ramsbottom the owner of Todd Hall, Carrs has kindly sent in the following photos and information which is at the bottom of the "Carrs Blog" Click here and scroll down.

(15th September 2013) Kevin Molloy (Ex pat from London). Kevin has kindly sent in this photo via Gordon Cockerill and its the students of the 1959 class at St. Marys School. Please click here to check it out.

(5th September 2013) Bob Dobson has kindly posted:

On Sat 14th September there will be a big Family History Fair in King George’s Hall, Blackburn -10am-4pm. The Rossendale branch of the Lancashire FH Society will be there with help and advice. All North West Societies will be represented. There are short lectures in rooms off the main hall throughout the day.

(18th August 2013) Hi Bryan, I wondered if any of your readers remember the class of 1971 (Haslingden Secondary Modern School) as I have seen nothing on this particular era. I was hoping somebody may have some photo's they could post. I left in 1971 and would be glad to correspond with people from my class. I would love to know what happened to a lot of the teachers and pupils,

all the best, Chris Reid.

(18th August 2013) Dear Bryan, I really enjoyed discovering the hassy web site. I lived on Hartley Street, went to St. James, on regent street, and then Hassy Grammar, until we moved to Accrington. But I think my heart never left Haslingden. Thank you, Ilyas Khan.

(6th August 2013) Sandra Kearsley is requesting information on a local Helmshore pig farm and also possibly information on the Bridge End Pub, but please check out her mail and let me know if you can help.

(29th July 2013) Just added lots more names to the 1952HGS Student photo, thanks to David and Irene Belshaw.

(26th July 2013) Arthur Keown has kindly sent in another three names for the 1947 HGS Student Photo (Click here and scroll down to 1947)

(26th July 2013) Elizabeth Smethurst has kindly sent in further names and corrections for the 1953 St. James C of E School Student Photo. (Click Here and scroll down to 1953)

(26th July 2013) Just added lots more names from the David and Irene Belshaw list to the 1952 HGS Student Photo - still lots to add yet. (Click here and scroll down to 1952)

(26th July 2013) John R Edwards has kindly sent in some ammendments for the 1957 HGS Student Photo. (Click hereand scroll down to 1957)

(26th July 2013) Ellen Dewhurst with the help of her husband has kindly sent in several names for the 1952 HGS Student Photo and also a ammendment for the 1957 Student Photo. (Click here and scroll down to 1952).

(26th July 2013) Clifford Hargreaves and his sister Jean have kindly sent in another five names for the 1947 HGS Student Photo (Click here and scroll down to 1947)

(8th July 2013) More names from David and Irene Belshaw to be added to the 1952 HGS Student Photo later today.

(8th July 2013) Clifford Hargreaves and his sister have kindly contributed lots more names for the 1947 HGS Pupil photo.Please check by clicking here and then scroll down to 1947.

(8th July 2013) John R. Edwards has kindly offered two more names to the HGS 1957 Student Photo. Please check by clicking here and then scroll down to 1957.

(2nd July 2013) Roger Pilling has kindly sent in two St. James C of E School photos taken in 1953 or 1954 (Miss Holden's Class and Miss Clegg's Class. To check out please click here,then scroll down to appropriate dates.

Roger has also kindly sent in a old photo of members of the Wesley Church, Blackburn Road/Hud Hey which has now been filed under the photo album or you can click here.

(2nd July 2013) Arthur Keown (ex pat) who has just celebrated his 83rd birthday, has now provided a further three names for the 1947 HGS student photo.

(30th June 2013) Dave and Irene Belshaw have kindly sent in a new HGS Student photo for October 1952. They have also named some of the students (names still being added), but there are still lots of gaps if you can help. In the meantime please check out the photo by clicking here and then scroll down to 1952.

(28th June 2013) Teresa Nelson (Ex pat Australia) and sister to Anne Southon has now sent a update on her parents and the ownership of the "Chippie" at the top of Prinny Hill. Pleaseclick here to check out blogs from both Teresa and Anne

(30th May 2013) Arthur Keown has sent in a email to be forwarded to Anne Astling. Describing some lovely qualities of one of his past teachers Dr. Tupling. Please Click here then scroll down to Anne Astling March 6th 2012.

(30th May 2013) Replies to Colins request below for information on the Helmshore Conservative Club. Kindly from Jackie Ramsbottom, John Simpson and Wadey. Click Here to check them out.

(28th May 2013) Colin is requesting information on the building which was the Helmshore Conservative Club on Holcombe Road. Click here to check out his email. UPDATE: TWO OFFERS OF HELP HAVE MADE CONTACT

(28th May 2013) Malcolm Pilkington is making a request for information on how he can contact Jack Cordingley or his family. Please click here to see letter. UPDATE: TWO OFFERS OF HELP HAVE MADE CONTACT

(20th May 2013) The Scans of the Haslingden Guardian Year Book front cover, the adverts and the chronology, and also the Civil Defence document have now all been filed under documents section below (scroll down and select). The Civil Defence badges has been filed under "Haslingden Memorabilia".

(18th May 2013) A lovely follow up mail from Sheila Calder (Ex pat Canada). Click here to check out email under Carrie Creamer Hart request so scroll down a little. Shes now living at Niagara and there is a old museum shop there just like her grandad's Mr. Goldsworthy (Herbalist) which was up Church Street.

(18th May 2013) Ian Edmundson has also kindly contributed with additional names to the HGS 1957 student photo. Click here and scroll down.

(17th May 2013) John R Edwards has also kindly contributed with additional names to the HGS 1957 student photo. Click here and scroll down.

(17th May 2013) Sheila Calder (ex pat) has kindly sent in some information to the request made by Carrie Creamer Hart.Please click here and then scroll down to see email and blog etc.

(16th May 2013) Mary Brown (nee Simms) has kindly been able to help with the request made by Carrie Creamer Hart.Click Here and then scroll down.

(15th May 2013) Have now directly added the 1957 Haslingden Grammar School Photo and I am grateful to both David and Irene Belshaw who have kindly added some of the names of pupils. Click here and then scroll down

(12th May 2013) Alison May (nee Heywood) has kindly sent in scans of the Haslingden Civil Defence badges and their Casualty Service Sheet. - Added below the "Haslingden Guardian" adverts across. Later I will file these under "Memorabilia.

(9th May 2013) John R Edwards has kindly offered information in reply to the Terry Hissey request, thanks...

(8th May 2013) I have finally got around to including the information sent by Dave Rothwell about his uncle Albert who died in WWII. He has kindly sent the photos and letters etc, and it really is so moving to read. Please check out by clicking here then scroll down to the Second World War and further down to Private Albert Rothwell.

(8th May 2013) Alison May (nee Heywood) has sent in some fabulous scans taken from the Haslingden Guardian Yearbook in 1896. To check them out see blog to right hand side or alternatively they are also filed below under "Documents". Also I've just added some old photos which Alison let us have and now filed under the photo album below. (eg: Old Deardengate (1800's), Haslingden Wesleyan Day School from the 1800s, also Trinity Baptist photo. Also uploaded scans of Mayor memorabilia handkerchiefs (2) and one Silk Ribbon bookmark memorabilia - these are loaded under Haslingden Memorabilia (Index to blogs). Also now added the Haslingden Jubilee Celebrations Souvenir scans of front page and also four pages of adverts from 1951. Filed below under documents. Now added scanned pages from the HGS Opening day from 1968 filed below under documents together with links also added under the Haslingden Grammar School Blog.

(5th May 2013) Adrian Bury (ex pat - Hungary) has kindly sent in a old photo of members of the Trinity Baptist Church which used to be on Blackburn Road. It was taken in 1948. He has also kindly named some of the members. Please check out the photo and details etc by clicking here. I will also include this within the photo album.

(1st May 2013) Michael Mullaney has kindly responded with some information on the "Boys Home" in response to information request from Jane Thynne.Please click here and scroll down(30th April 2013) John Vizzard has kindly sent in two St. Marys student photographs from the 1950s. We are not sure of the dates but do think they maybe 1955 and 1957. If you know of any of the missing students names or can confirm the actual dates please let me know. To check out the photos please Click here.

(22nd April 2013) I still have lots of "adverts and documents" and some photos to include in the Documents and Photo Album sections which people have been so kind as to let me have. The reason I have as yet not published, is purely down to me having some temporary problems at the moment with my "photo hosting site". Hopefully this will be resolved within the next few weeks, after which I will then upload to the site.

(19th April 2013) Ann Taylor is requesting any historic photos of Carterplace or Acre etc. to help her with her research. To read her email please click here. or alternatively just go to the end of the Carterplace blog

(18th April 2013) Keith Fitton (ex pat from Cumbria) has sent a email requesting information for a friend in regards to: Father Fergus McBride. His friend thinks that he was a vicar in Haslingden during the late 1950's. Can anyone shed any light?Check out full mail by clicking here.

(15th April 2013) Just a quick update to say that Sandra Jew (Australia) who has been seeking information about her dad "Alan "Bernie" Taylor, has already been contacted by three old friends of her dad and also by Jackie with some family history.... all as a result of her putting a request on the blog. Keep the information coming....

(12th April 2013) Sandra Jew (Australia) is requesting information about her dad "Alan Francis Taylor" nicknamed "Bernie" born 1948 and also any of his family members. Please click here to check out her request, if you can help Sandra please let me know or give me a email address which I may pass on to her. My email is: bryan.yorke@sky.com

(8th April 2013) Some good news! Hylton Craig kindly informs me that a new Robert Scott VC commemorative placque has been fixed at Peel Street. And also thanks Hylton for the photo. Please Click Here to check out Blog.

(8th April 2013) Added a link, scroll to the bottom of the Carter Place Blog to check out even more photos of Carter Place related etc.

(8th April 2013) Annie Taylor has added a request for information about the missing Lions etc which once adorned the entrance to Carter Place. Where are they now? Please check it out by scrolling to the bottom of the blog.

(6th April 2013) Just added another ancient photo showing a man on a horse at the entrance of Carter Place. Who is that Man? and look at them Lions with the Mr and Mrs faces. Photo kindly supplied by Joyce Thorn. Check out blog and scroll to near bottom.

(6th April 2013) Just added another ancient photo showing a view from Carter Place towards Haslingden and I have managed to find fifteen large chimneys within the photo. Also added a photo of how it was in 2003 which shows the large original entrance to the Hall.

(6th April 2013) Just added a fabulous piece from Christine Howarth who so kindly offers some of her memories from the time when she had a caravan at Carter Place etc. Check out blog opposite and scroll to bottom.

(5th April 2013) Just added a super photo of the Lodge belonging the Carter Place Hall, kindly sent in by ex pat Alison May (nee Heywood)

(5th April 2013) Been kindly given lots of historic information about Carter Place Hall and Estate by Annie Taylor of Acre. I have now included it within the Carter Place Blog.

(4th April 2013) Just starting off a new blog for the late Carter Place Hall which had its main entrance from the gatehouse quite near to Worsley Park. I have great memories from my childhood of the "Hall" and also several photos to include.

I know little in regard to the history of this once great building and would always welcome any contributions from anybody who wishes to be involved. Thanks..

(26th March 2013) Michael Lynn has kindly donated two St. Marys School Football Photos from the period approx 1937 to 1938, the first one of these has most of the names of the squad and fathers. To Check out these photos please click here and go to the St. Mary's Blog and scroll down to the bottom

(26th March 2013) Michael Lynn has kindly donated a photo of the Hollands Pies Ladies Netball Team (undated). To check out the photo Click Here for the Hollands Blog and scroll to the bottom.

(25th March 2013) Alison May (nee Heywood) ex pat from Nottingham has so kindly sent in the Haslingden Grammar School Student photo for the year 1932 (we think!). Please click here to go to the blog and then scroll down to 1932.

(25th March 2013) Lynda Batty (ex pat from Olney in Buckinghamshire) has kindly sent in the 1956 or 1957, and the 1961 student photographs for the Haslingden County Primary School. Please Click here and then scroll down the blog to the desired date.

(25th March 2013) Peter Hoyle has kindly sent in the 1954 Student photograph from Haslingden St. James C of E School. Also some of the names have been listed but there are still some gaps. Please Click Here to go to blog then scroll down to 1954.

(19th March 2013) Alison May (nee Heywood) has kindly sent in a scan of the more recent HGS Cap Badge. Click Here to blogand scroll down a little.

(19th March 2013) Even more names added to 1969 HGS photo by Ian Edmundson. Click Here to go to blog and scroll down to 1969.

(18th March 2013) More names have been added to the 1969 HGS photo, kindly offered by Alison May (nee Heywood) and also more by Ian Edmundson. To check more complete listClick Here to go to blog and then scroll down to 1969.

(17th March 2013) HASLINGDEN OLD AND NEW BLOG would love to make a request to anyone attending the "Local History Day" at the Haslingden Cricket Club next Sunday, and maybe could help with old school photographs etc., that they may wish to bring them along to the event and I will take a copy of them whilst they are present, which would help enormously for future inclusion within the school blog photos. Also any other photos or information which they would like to include within the blog would be most welcome.

(16th March 2013) Two lovely old photographs, one of Deardengate and another of a very old student photo from the old Haslingden Wesleyan Methodist Day School. These were kindly sent in by Alison May (nee Heywood) ex pat from Nottingham. Alison has also sent in photos of memorabilia, eg: programmes for Trinity Baptist and adverts etc etc. these will soon be uploaded to the "Document" files. To check the photos please look across the page beneath the advert for the forthcoming Haslingden Local History Day.

(16th March 2013)Adrian Bury (ex pat currently residing in Hungary) has so kindly sent in a full school student photo for May 1969 for the Haslingden Grammar School. This widescreen photo has been broken up into four separate photos for ease of viewing. He has also offered quite a lot of names for teachers and students, but if you can add to these please let me know by emailing me at bryan.yorke@sky.com To check out the photos Click Here, then scroll down to the 1969 date near the bottom of the blog.

(13th March 2013)Adrian Bury has so kindly sent in three student photos from Haslingden St. James for the years 1960,1962 and 1965 and a Haslingden Grammar School photo to follow. (Please click here and scroll down to the desired date) - some names of students have been added below the photos, but if you can fill in any of the missing gaps - please let us know by emailing me at bryan.yorke@sky.com

(3rd March 2013)Clifford Hargreaves has kindly sent in two photos and a flyer, which show "The Old School Mews", which are the new buildings built on the original site of the old Technical School (later the Haslingden Grammar School). Check out the Haslingden Grammar School Blog and go to the end or click here and then scroll to the end of the blog.

(26th February 2013) Christine Bailye (daughter of Margaret Newey, nee Tattersall) has just sent a email enquiring on details of J.H. Birtwistle factory and the Tattersall family etc. Please check her letter under filed under the Emails and Snippetts.

Please check under emails and snippetts by clicking here - 2nd email down

(23rd February 2013) Chris Aspin has kindly informed me that there will be another Local History Day at Haslingden Cricket Club on Sunday March 24th (11am - 4pm). Groups from Helmshore, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom, Holcombe and Whitworth will be putting on displays. Second-hand bookstall, food/drink, easy parking. Free Admission. Highlight of Helmshore Local History Society's display will be a map of 1575 with coloured pictures of St. James's Church and a cross. Never seen before.

(24th January 2013) Bryan Gudgeon has been kind enough to identify three of the missing names on the 1948-49 Haslingden St. James C of E School photo. There are still a couple missing, and Bryan thinks that they were possibly refugees .

(21st January 2013) Thanks to Arthur Keown (ex pat from Devon who has kindly sent in this fabulous Haslingden Grammar School photo from May 1947.

(8th January 2013) More WW1 Soldiers have been added to the War Blog today and still more to come. Jackie informs me she is getting great support on this, and still welcomes as much information as possible eg: text, newspaper cuttings, photos, details of memorials etc etc. Thanks to all who have kindly offered help.

(2nd January 2013) Happy New Year to everyone.Some great feedback now added by David Desforges (see below).

To check out his mail Click Here.

(11th December 2012) Dave Roughley has contacted me requesting information on Haslingden FC 1907-8 season, especially in regards to the ground where they played. To check out his request email please click here, and obviously any help for his project would be very welcome.

Just click here to check out site. When deleted from here "Just added" snippetts are filed below - Check out "Just added or about to" HISTORIES below

(30th November 2012) Just added a new blog for "Haslingden County Primary School Student Photos" also requesting help with the naming of the Teachers and Students c1952/1953 period.Check out by clicking here

(30th November 2012)Dave Rothwell has now added two more photos and further text showing 1) Rossendale Motor Club Outing (with a very young Dave)c1959 and also the Rossendale Enduro from c1960. His dad Leslie played a big part in both organizations. Click here and scroll down to the Rothwell's.

(30th November 2012)In response to Dave Rothwell's request for a photo of the original Cordingley's Car Showroom, Jackie Ramsbottom has kindly sent in a photo, also in response Clifford Hargreaves has kindly sent in a original advert for the Old firm. Please click here and scroll down to check them out.

(29th November 2012) Dave Rothwell has kindly sent in some photographs of the recent demolition of the Cordingley's old building which was the Bed Centre or later The Pine Centre for parts of the last twenty years. He is currently looking for a old photograph showing it when it was the original Cordingley's Car Showrooms, can anyone help? To check out the demolition photos please click here and scroll.

(29th November 2012)Dave Rothwell has kindly sent in a photo showing his dad serving in the shop together with a brilliant story of when his dad built a special "balsa aeroplane" to take part in a competition, but disaster struck, yet with a happy ending, so click here and scroll down to read on

(26th November 2012)Eddie Sheppard has just made a request for further history on Bentley House, Grane, and also information of its former residents and if possible more information on one of his wife's ancestors who was born there. To check out his mail please click here

(22nd November 2012) Can we help Lee along with his other students with his St. Peters Church Project creating information boards about the Church its history etc. Check out his email Please click here

(18th November 2012) A request for information and/or photos of our brave Haslingden and Helmshore Soldiers who lost their lives in either World War 1 or World War 11. This request is to help with a new blog being started to give a comprehensive and permanent record for future generations. The blog is being researched by Jackie Ramsbottom and compiled by Bryan Yorke. If you have any information will you kindly send it through to Jackie. You will find her email address within the "introduction request information blog here".

(14th November 2012) from Ann Whittaker J.P. has sent in some information on her grandad Mr. Gilmartin and the painters and decorators shop he had on Regent Street. She is requesting any further information and is also requesting for a more full on photo of the Regent Street Shops, if anyone can help. Please click here to check out her mail.

(9th November 2012)I have put a small blog on requesting any information on the "Bury Road School" of which there is a photo going back all the way to c1877. It was Keith Riley's search for his Assistant Headmaster relation which triggered me into looking at these old photos. Check out blog here.

(8th November 2012)Keith Riley from Ontario, Canada is researching is family connections and is requesting any help. Please check out his mail by clicking here. If you can help either contact him direct at the email supplied or alternatively contact me with any information. Thanks.

(6th November 2012) Started a new blog called "Manchester Road Shops". Now got the outline going, but lots more to come with this blog eg: text, photos, adverts etc. Thanks also to Clifford Hargreaves for sending in adverts relating to some of the shops.Click here to check out blog.(4th November 2012) Tomorrow is bonfire night and so I have done a little sketch and poem relating to our old bonfires which we used to have at Martin Croft (off Hud Hey) Them were the days!

(1st November 2012)Just done a little blog on "Haslingden's Original Chip Shops" Click Here to Check it out If you can add any information please feel free to let me know. Its great to include a newspaper clipping kindly given to me by Jackie Ramsbottom which shows Taylors Chip Shop and also Barnes's shop next door. Also now added a further four shops with information kindly given by Ray Ramsbottom, John Bedford and David Johnson. Constantly updating this blog eg: What is a mixture?

(31st October 2012) Martin Molloy has kindly sent in a email kindly offering information as to where Anne Grieco's parents chippy was at top of Prinny Hill near Bramwells Fish Shop.Click here to read mail. and scroll down a little.

(31st October 2012) Happy Halloween! and if tha fancies a smile or a laugh, just look at this owd chap doing his bit about Rag and Bone fellas. Well its nowt to do with Halloween, but plenty scary especially at the end,Click Here and watch if you dare! and should you require more check this out about the Shebbies (Starlings) by clicking here.

(29th October 2012)Anne Southon (nee Grieco) ex pat from Australia is requesting a photo of the chippy which her parents used to own which was on Blackburn Road. Please click here to see her mail.

(25th October 2012) Jeff Stevens sent this mail. In regards to the Haslingden Bomb Holes, which can be seen filed under Blitz and Bomb Damage. Please click here to see blog and scroll down.

(25th October 2012)John Sumner can now confirm that the photograph of the houses which used to be near sizehouse and by the side of the Haslingden Grane Mill are definately "Lonsdale Buildings". He only wishes he had a photograph of the rest of that row.

(25th October 2012) Here is a fabulous piece about the "Tipper Toilet" or the Tippler Toilet. Thanks to Shiela Bell (Nee Waller). Added to the "Tiddles down Tippler Blog". Click here and scroll to the bottom of the blog.

(16th October 2012)A New St James C of E School pupil photo has now been added for the years 1948-1949 kindly sent in by Joan Merrill.Please Click Here and scroll down(10th October 2012)John Sumner was enquiring on the (2nd August 2012) about buildings which were near to the old Grane Mill. Jackie Ramsbottom has kindly sent in a photo which shows some buildings and clearly showing the old Grane Mill in the background. Would these be the Lonsdale Buildings John, which you mention in your earlier email. To see the photoClick Hereand scroll down to the 3rd August.

(9th October 2012) In response to Keith's Mail, Jackie has kindly sent in a clipping from the Haslingden Guardian 8th February 1946. Thanks Jackie and see scan and mail click here.

(9th October 2012) Email and blog link kindly contributed by Keith Fitton and reflecting early memories about the collapse of the retaining wall of St. James Churchyard etc.

(5th October 2012) Email received from Clifford Hargreaves in relation to a information request regarding the Haslingden Liberal Club. Click here to see mail.

(4th October 2012) Email received from Phil Collins, in relation to a information request from Brian Holden on the "High Spot Dance Club" at the Liberal Club in Haslingden. To check out his mail please click here and its the top item on the page.

Just added or about to Histories Archived from 6th March 2012 to 30th Sept 2012

(30th September 2012) Email received from Brian Holden requesting information on the High Spot Dance Club, which he thinks was situated at the Liberal Club in the late 60s pre: The Buccaneers. He would welcome any information on this. If you wish to check out his email please click here.

(20th September 2012) Ex Pat Mike Hogan has kindly sent in a scan from a old (about 1860) French Encyclopaedia giving some details of Haslingden when the population was at 8000. Click here to see the piece. and then scroll down the page.

(18th September 2012) Mike Hogan (Ex pat from France) has kindly sent me the link for the Haslingden Historic Town Assessment Report, which is really interesting. Click over the link to see in within a .pdf file.

(17th September 2012). Has anyone got a scan/copy photo of the old "Bleach Works" they could let me have, prefererably taken from the West Side. It would be brilliant to get a picture for the blog, thank you.

(13th September 2012) Just added a "request for information email" from Bernadette Ainsworth who is requesting information on "Spout House" on Cribden End Lane. If anyone can supply information will you kindly contact me. To check out the email please click here.

(12th September 2012) Added a ode "Tiddles is down Tippler" please enjoy.

(12th September 2012) from Susan in response to Tippler toilets. Check out under Recent Contributions from Ex Pats or just click here.

(8th September 2012) Just added a new pages for "RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EX PATS" And the first contribution is from Mike Hogan (in South of France) with his interesting subject "Tippler Toilets". Please click here

(4th September 2012) I have sent a letter to the Rossendale Free Press in response to Solomons letter in regards to the Holden Vale Flash trying to give a clear outline as to the history of "The Pond". I do hope it manages to get printed. Please go to end of "Holden Vale Flash Blog" to see my letter, thank you, or if you prefer click here.

(1st September 2012) Mike from France (ex pat), now added a very interesting piece about the old "Holden Vale Bleach Works and habitation of small lizards". Please check out the piece by going to the bottom of the Holden Vale Flash blog.

(30th August 2012) A email from Ian Edmundson to say that the Telegraph had reported that "Sir Rhodes Boyson" died yesterday. To check out please click here.

(29th August 2012) Lynda Batty (nee foster) who used to live in Every Street and later Grane Road, has sent this email requesting help with the history of "Todd Hall", can anyone help her. Please check out her email by clicking here. If you can help will you please contact me and I will forward to you her email address. Thanks.

(29th August 2012) with ref to your ode ,about the brown "soap".it were called "derbac",was supposed to be medicated to get rid of nits etc.me thinks it was full of brickdust or similar,took scalp off it not careful. john hargreaves Click here to check out ode John refers to.

(27th August 2012) Thanks to Michael Mullaney now added a further 12 photos of old Haslingden, will be uploaded further later today. Look under photo album section which now includes: Hargreaves St Junc with George, Houses on Rakefoot from Teddy Berrys, Hindle St to Back Hindle, Marsden Sq & Middle Shop, Group of Eng from SS Stotts, Group of Pattern Makers from SS Stotts, Scrapping Looms at Grane Mill, Bury Road towards Market, Postcard of Carter Place, Entrance to Vic Park, Musbury Church Womens Carnival 1914, Victoria Park. More to follow tonight, thanks again Mick....

(21st August 2012) Added more of my "Toad Breeding Photos" and other photos of Holden Vale Flash (or the pond nowadays. They were actually taken on 19th March 2009. I remember there were lots of toads present on the day, in the small shallow outlet on the East side of the "Pond". Well it does prove that Toads are breeding there and in good numbers.

(18th August 2012), Thanks to Bryan Webster of The Medics who so kindly sent in this photo of the Band for the request of Mog Stevenson. Please click here to see photo.

(17th August 2012) Mog Stevenson is still looking for a photo and any other information he can get on the local Rising Bridge Band which featured "Geoff Kenyon" as lead singer. They were called "The Medix" and the members besides Geoff were all Rising Bridge lads namely: Barry Moran, Brian Webster and Melvyn Yates.

(15th August 2012) Thanks for heads up on Holden Wood from from both Way and Jacki R, I have now re-invented my old Grane blog article on the Holden Vale Flash (or the pond). It is proposed by a recent planning application to fill in the area of (the pond) and create hardstanding for vehicles. Please check out the blog and then click on the link direct to the planning application at Rossendale Borough Council. If you have anything to say or any objections to make, please! say it NOW! Click Here for Planning App details etc.

(5th August 2012). Added a photo kindly sent by John Sumner in regards to the floods of 1964. The car is a Yellow Ford Anglia, which on moving through the culvert caught up with the "keystone" and caused the property to collapse. Click here and scroll down on blog to check out photo and story. Also more "flood info" to be added shortly. Did you know that there was also a flood in 1960! and that some of the photos in this blog may refer to that earlier flood. Soon to be authenticated.....

(4th August 2012). Thanks to John Sumner for sending in a link to "Kash's" obituary. Kaziemierz Jagodinski whom lived at Carrs for a great number of years, was such a colourful happy guy, yet secretly had experienced some horrific times throughout his life. Please read here to learn of his past, (click here- then when page loads to Carrs scroll to bottom). He was a well loved man and will be missed greatly.

(3rd August 2012) Received request from John Sumner to see if anyone can help with information on the row of houses on Laneside Road. (Check his mail out here)

(1st August 2012) A lovely mail from Andrea Fell (nee Jenkinson) re: her family and their connections with Wesley Church and Rossendale Chain & Block (Vine Grove Works). To check out her mail please click here.

(26th July 2012) Michael Mullaney (Haslingden) has so kindly sent in several photos and here are six new photos of Students and First Communion at St. Marys RC. please click here to see photos.

(26th July 2012) Michael Mullaney (Haslingden) has so kindly sent in sever photos and I have now loaded three in the email section Click here to see. Also I have uploaded another ten of Michaels photos under the left pane "Photo Album". I still have more photos to upload yet.

(25th July 2012) from John Sumner has requested information on behalf of his aunt, about if anyone remembers the Workingmens Club down at Carrs. To read email click here.

(23rd July 2012) from John R. Edwards - Haslingden Here is some more History about Victoria Mill and Wm. Robinsons, Union Mill, and also a tale about a guy called Wm Robinson. Click here to read full snippets.

(21st July 2012) Margaret Gowers has just sent a email and remembers Sandra Taylor (nee Lees) please click here to check out her mail. When page loads scroll down to below photos of Vine Mill

(21st July 2012) More information kindly supplied by Jacqueline Ramsbottom. on Paghouse Mill and also another fine etching of the "fire". Notice the difference between the etchings, where on Jackies it shows the back to back houses on Blackburn Road across from the "Lychgate" whereby they dont show on the other etching. Click here to see more.

(21st July 2012) Information kindly supplied by John R. Edwards in regards to John Sumners request on information about the Rising Bridge Slag Heaps. Please click here to read.

(9th June 2012) Just added a link for Robert Wade's (Wadey), photos of Haslingden (new-recent photos). Filed under local links or if you wish just click here and then type in your search eg: Carr Hall Street or whatever your personal preference. Wadey has covered a massive territory and you can bet there's a 95% chance he will have the area you maybe interested in. He has already uploaded "thousands" of Haslingden and Helmshore related photos to this site.

(30th May 2012) Just added my Coronation Street photos for any one who may be interested. On my "I Love Arnside and Silverdale Blog, but click here if you wish.

(25th May 2012) Mog Stevenson (Ex pat from Kent) is requesting information on the late Geoff Kenyon's rock band. Please contact if you have any information and I will pass it on to Mog. Please check out email by clicking here.

(20th May 2012)Alan Robinson has kindly sent in four photos of family members from the earlier days when he lived down in the Carrs Village. These are on emails snippets and will shortly be added to the Carrs Village blog. Please click here to see them.

(17th May 2012) Just added a couple of photos sent in by Dave Rothwell. Two photos showing the start of the demolition of the old TMM factory in Helmshore to make way for new housing. To check out please click here.

(8th May 2012) Bryan Gudgeon has kindly sent in the "presumed lost" architects drawing of the Haslingden St James C of E School which had been thought to have been lost forever, thanks Bryan. If you want to check this out please click here to see the emails and the photo: please check here to see it. I will also file later under the Haslingden St. James C of E Students photos etc.

(4th May 2012) David Rothwell has kindly sent in 5 photos from his school days at Haslingden C of E School and Haslingden Grammar School, dating back to the mid to late 1960s and include some of the students and teachers. These are now filed under "photo album" but can be accessed by clicking here.

(2nd May 2012) Just added a fabulous email from John McGuire Ex pat from Victoria Australia. Who tells a tale of his Great Uncle "Georgie Berry". Plus other snippetts, Thank you John for your kind contribution. Please click here to see Johns mail. I will also be filing this under the "Rag and Bone Blog".

(30th April 2012) Graham Sumner has made a request for information on the Haslingden St. James Church Lads Brigade. In particular to the Roll of Honour for the 1914-1918 War and also information on J. T. Haworth. plus any other information which would be very much welcomed. If you can help will you kindly email me with the information and I will gladly pass it on to Graham. Please read Graham's email by clicking here. It has been filed under Emails etc.

(30th April 2012) Mike Duckworth has made a request for help with "employees names on the Duckworth Clough Mill workers photos, because he is trying to trace is family tree and thinks that this is the mill were they worked at. To read his email request Please click here. If you want to see the Duckworth Clough Mill blog please click here.

(25th April 2012) Just added a advert for "Woodcroft Revisited" a living documentary of the 50s in part of Rossendale produced by Ken Stott and sold in aid of the Rossendale Hospice. To check out more please Click Here.(23rd April 2012) Just added a new "sketch" called "Bath Time blinken ages ago". Please enjoy - click here

(18th April 2012) Sue Ashton (nee Wardle) from Crete, has so kindly flipped over the photo of St. James C of E School - After the Fire and it has now been corrected within the Blog (thanks Sue). Please click here to see the photo

(17th April 2012) More detail now about the missing St. James C of E School architect drawing. Where can it be nowadays or does someone have a copy of it for us, please! Now from Ian, "The one I saw, on the wall of the new school, was an architect's impression of the school looking down as if hovering over Harold Alderson's shop. I think it must have come from a quote from the architect to install new sky-lights in the roof. It was a large drawing in isometric and measuring about 3ft x 2ft, but it was immaculate, in colour, and nearly as good as a photograph". If you can help in the discovery of this we all would be most grateful.

(13th April 2012) Mail received from Ian Warburton who is also desparate to try and obtain a front photo of the St. James C of E. School. Check mail here

(13th April 2012) Just added a snippett kindly sent in by Dick Bateman of Chapel En Le Frith in regards to Miss Nevin (teacher) at St. Mary's RC School. To check out mail please click here for the St. Marys Blog or if you want to see the email snippetts click here.

(9th April 2012) Just added some memories of Carrs Village kindly sent in by Angela Hall who used to live at 21 Commerce Street in 1962/64. Please go to the end of the Carrs Blog for further details by clicking here.

(8th April 2012). Just added a superb photo of Haslingden St James C of E School, just after the fire. So kindly given by Jackie Ramsbottom and Brian Smith. Please click here to see the photo.

(30th March 2012) Just added two photos kindly sent in by John Bedford. 1) is the Haslingden Cricket Club team from c1927 and the other is the Old Co-op Shop in Townsend Street from c1927. These are filed under "Photo Album" or alternatively you can find them under "Email, Snippetts etc" or just Click Here.

(28th March 2012) Just added a old newspaper photo of the old St. James C of E School, taken from the Church. Kindly given by Jackie Ramsbottom. Filed under St. James photos or click here

(27th March 2012) Just added two St. Marys photographs kindly sent in by John Bedford. The top photo is of the 1960 Trip to Lourdes and the 2nd photo down is Students ready for the first Holy Communion. Please Click Here

(23rd March 2012) Added a new blog on St. Marys School Photos etc, and the first are Student photos from 1949-1950 and also c1953, c1956, and c1958 kindly sent in by John Bedford. Also there is another one from the 1920s. Please keep looking because there will probably be more older St. Marys photos shortly. If you do have any old group photos of St. Marys which can be scanned and sent through they would be most welcome. Please Click Here

(16th Mar 2012 update of 7th Feb 2012) I have just added a photo from a Haslingden Darts Tournament, kindly sent in by Jennifer Gavan. John Bedford has kindly informed me that it was the 1973-74 team knockout between the Crown and The Great Tree and that the Crown won five-two. It was played at the Workers! - He has also named all the players that night. The photo is filed under photo album in left column or if you wish to check out the full list of players it is filed under Emails, Catch Ups etc.

(6th March 2012) Here is a request email received from Anne Astling, who is seeking information on her great uncle George Henry Tupling whom taught at Haslingden Grammar School between 1908-1943. Any information would be gratefully received by Anne. Her contact details are within the mail or contact me and I will gladly pass on any information. To check out the request mail etc please click here or go to the Email, Snippets